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 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
-
Growing up in the Kansas City area, Mary Gerend would watch her mom dedicate her professional life to helping kids and young mothers as a social worker.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The foundation states that winning teams are paired with professional mentors, supported in refining their budgets and project plans, and made eligible for grants of up to $1,000 to actually carry out their ideas.—
Ethan Stone,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Dealings with co-workers will be practical but sympathetic.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The stars favor practical compassion, where optimism pairs with accountability and follow-through.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Is there a polite way to ask her to address this, short of shouting or splashing?—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Your polite fences invite stronger, healthier collaborations in the future.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The driver of the oncoming car was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, and the three passengers died.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The three men who were shot were taken to a hospital, with one patient in serious condition and two in critical condition, a Fire Department spokesperson said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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