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
To keep the look from feeling too businesslike, finish with a quirky shaggy coat and loafer shoes.
—
Irina Grechko, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026
Cignetti’s group has a businesslike demeanor that wasn’t remotely altered by Alabama’s reputation and history.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
As the subject of Materialists, Lucy’s coolness evolves from a businesslike need to maintain control over a situation.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
And how would the famously gruff and businesslike Belichick work with nineteen-year-olds?
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Irina Grechko, InStyle, 17 Jan. 2026
Cignetti’s group has a businesslike demeanor that wasn’t remotely altered by Alabama’s reputation and history.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
As the subject of Materialists, Lucy’s coolness evolves from a businesslike need to maintain control over a situation.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2025
And how would the famously gruff and businesslike Belichick work with nineteen-year-olds?
—Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for businesslike
Adjective
-
Here is a look back at Haley's professional career leading up to her most recent legal battle with her ex-husband.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
That in-between energy is exactly what’s shaping this month’s biggest nail trends, according to professional nail artists.—
Jennifer Hussein,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The panel concluded the order was both overly broad and impermissibly vague, raising constitutional and practical concerns.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
At the center of it was Catherine, vividly sending up an entire genre of the show-business underbelly that no one ever referenced on polite middle-American network television.—
Merrill Markoe,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
-
And even then, it was couched in the polite, ambiguous language.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Farther inland, strong and persistent winds will still pose serious problems.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
