Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

The words courteous and chivalrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

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 chivalrous The reality is that those men are not of the chivalrous variety, and Charity, who literally wears her heart on her shoulder, is left melancholy. David John Chávez, Mercury News, 21 June 2025 Archie making deep, chivalrous bows, his baby sister Lilibet cuddling the monarch's shins. Audrey Schmidt, People.com, 4 June 2025 The chivalrous Ted, Leslie reveals, not only pressured her to abort their child, but enlisted former brother-in-law Bill Hamilton (Timon Kyle Durrett) to threaten her to keep away. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 5 May 2025 This chivalrous gentleman was joined by a starstruck insect. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 June 2024 See All Example Sentences for chivalrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalrous
Adjective
  • The Dohnányis came from a Hungarian noble family that traced its roots back centuries.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Boots works hard to insist that while there might be a few bad apples along the way, there’s noble work to be done in the armed forces.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given these complex three-way dynamics, Delhi will likely continue to upgrade ties to the Taliban regime, and support its efforts to gain greater independence from Pakistani influence.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Reese had some great tunes for her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And yet, welcoming that idea can shock the system because our popular conception of the American Revolution is so often encased in bloodless, gallant myth.
    Sarah Botstein, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The experience of secession, of war, of industrial slaughter and gallant sacrifice, of Black soldiery and humanity all reforged Lincoln into a stronger alloy.
    Jack Sheehan September 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • This person has brought shame and disgrace to the badge and to an honorable profession.
    Paloma Chavez, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, energy analysts point to the high costs of setting up in a new remote environment in harsh weather without local infrastructure, labor, or equipment.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • However, Cox said via email last week that the cost of new construction and the site topography where the old police headquarters stood drove the cost up so high that the location was not the best choice.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Chivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivalrous. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on chivalrous

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