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
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Recent Examples of businesslike
The atmosphere was hushed and businesslike; this was a routine pretrial hearing, and only a few other spectators joined me in the gallery.
—
Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
The relative wrote back and, in an almost businesslike tone, informed her that there was no space left at the Maine cemetery.
—Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026
Eva is a complex character, flinty and businesslike, deadly serious about her mission and willing to make ethical compromises to move it forward.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Bainbridge’s earlier novels often seem to have a similarly businesslike attitude.
—Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
The relative wrote back and, in an almost businesslike tone, informed her that there was no space left at the Maine cemetery.
—Natalia Sánchez Loayza, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2026
Eva is a complex character, flinty and businesslike, deadly serious about her mission and willing to make ethical compromises to move it forward.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Bainbridge’s earlier novels often seem to have a similarly businesslike attitude.
—Christopher Tayler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for businesslike
Adjective
-
The anchor was there to do a job and was being as professional as can be, and that wasn't necessarily reciprocated.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2026
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Following the presidential order, the White House hosted a field day with professional athletes and young children partaking in athletic activities outside.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A sharp conversation could unlock practical momentum surprisingly fast today.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
12 May 2026
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What begins as one practical step could raise your profile significantly.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Adjective
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Regardless, much of the developing world is made up of much younger countries, with populations in Africa, for example, at much lower risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19 than elderly individuals with comorbidities in the United States or Western Europe.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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If swallowed, button cell or coin batteries can cause severe internal chemical burns, serious injuries and death, the agency said.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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