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
Conversely, the Oilers had a businesslike finish to their campaign despite adverse circumstances, specifically the absences of Draisaitl and Hyman.
—
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for businesslike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for businesslike
Adjective
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Marte's latest move adds another chapter to a professional career that had already taken him through multiple organizations and even overseas.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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After repatriation, many former prisoners returned to the United States to launch professional careers or to renew acquaintances with their former captors.—
Helaine Williams,
Arkansas Online,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2026
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As a practical example, the Knicks would love to bring Shamet back to the team next season.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2026
Adjective
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Now the top of the list is alignment, which is a polite word for influence.—
Julie Averill,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note.—
Daniel Ruetenik,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
Adjective
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My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
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In a touching tribute, Saliba ran over to the sideline after scoring and held up the jersey of Ismaël Koné, the teammate who left the field on a stretcher minutes earlier after suffering what looked to be a serious leg injury.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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