as in professional
having or showing qualities that are considered good in business
His businesslike approach to the dispute was very helpful. a businesslike manner
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of businesslike
The actor walks a fine line between overenthusiastic and businesslike, which grounds both the character and the show around him.
—
Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Jan. 2026
The relatives ate with a mixture of businesslike efficiency and gleeful abandon.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
This was designed to give something comfortable — the flexible FKM touches your skin— while maintaining a businesslike exterior.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
To keep the look from feeling too businesslike, finish with a quirky shaggy coat and loafer shoes.
—Irina Grechko, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Jan. 2026
The relatives ate with a mixture of businesslike efficiency and gleeful abandon.
—Literary Hub, 20 Jan. 2026
This was designed to give something comfortable — the flexible FKM touches your skin— while maintaining a businesslike exterior.
—David Phelan, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
To keep the look from feeling too businesslike, finish with a quirky shaggy coat and loafer shoes.
—Irina Grechko, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for businesslike
Adjective
-
Denver didn’t just set a new record for the largest attendance at a professional women’s sports event.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland on Sunday could conceivably complete one of the greatest comebacks in not only PGA Tour history, but the history of professional sports.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Your big vision is about to meet a practical checkpoint.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
His practical advice fares better than both his theories and his pallid attempts at profundity.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jeremiah is a friendly, affectionate and respectful teen who is known for his polite manners and eagerness to help others.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Present and correct, just in smaller quantities than previously, and now obliged to make polite conversation with Alexandra Champalimaud’s additions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The victim suffered serious injuries to her right ear, right cheek and face, including a laceration that was about 6 inches long, officials said.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The broad ban on advertising also raises serious constitutional concerns.—
Cláudia Nunes,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
