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
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
-
The two-story space features professional recording studios, podcast and video suites, co-working lounges and meeting spaces, which are slated to open by early next year once permits are approved, Ihm says.
-
But in the process, the department demoted theology, a field that some had targeted for enjoying professional status when nursing did not.
Adjective
-
Aquarius January 20 – February 18 When opinions clash, lead with practical care.
-
As a practical example, the Knicks would love to bring Shamet back to the team next season.
Adjective
-
All were polite and responsive.
-
He has been adored, sanitized, revived, pathologized, sentimentalized, and combed for polite company.
Adjective
-
Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
-
Prosecutors said Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez face the most serious charges, including conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machineguns and drug trafficking.
Cite this Entry
“Businesslike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/businesslike. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
