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 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
-
Few would consider purchasing a prime property without a broker, commissioning an aircraft without specialist advice, or acquiring a significant artwork without professional counsel.—
Rachel Ingram,
Robb Report,
16 May 2026
-
Iran will implement effective and professional monitoring and control mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz within the framework of international law, Pezeshkian said without elaborating.—
Skylar Woodhouse,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
There are few shoes as polished and practical as timeless loafers — something Meghan Markle knows well.—
Aaron Royce,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
These 100-percent linen pants have practical front panel pockets for holding small essentials, and shoppers praised the tapered design and ankle-length cut that work well on petite frames.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Films that would once have sparked competitive bidding are screening to polite attention and noncommittal follow-up meetings.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2026
-
The old-school kind where everybody is mostly well-behaved and polite, and the audience scrolls on their phones to stay awake.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The number of teams and bowls involved could shift as discussions become more serious.—
Scott Dochterman,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny over e-bikes and e-motorcycles across Southern California following several serious and fatal crashes involving young riders.—
Sydney Barragan,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
