as in gallantry
speech or behavior that is honorable and polite
Gentlemen who were lucky enough to gain invites to the state dinner are expected to act with the finest chivalry. In an act of rare chivalry, the driver allowed several cars stopped at a "yield" sign to go ahead.
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Recent Examples of chivalry
Loyal to the Emperor, scornful of the aristocracy, and sympathetic to the peasants’ desire for liberation, if not their bloodlust, he is torn between medieval chivalry and modern self-preservation.
—
Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
Gawain valiantly shows up for his own beheading, keeping his end of the bargain, and passes the test of chivalry.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2025
Since at least the 11th century in Europe, when troubadour musicians crisscrossed the continent singing songs of love and chivalry, one thing has remained fairly consistent: The artist travels; the audience stays put.
—Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Gryffindor stands for bravery, courage and chivalry; Hufflepuff is known for loyalty, kindness and hard work; Ravenclaw values wisdom, wit and a love of learning; Slytherin represents ambition, resourcefulness and determination.
—Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chivalry
Merve Emre, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025
Gawain valiantly shows up for his own beheading, keeping his end of the bargain, and passes the test of chivalry.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 22 Sep. 2025
Since at least the 11th century in Europe, when troubadour musicians crisscrossed the continent singing songs of love and chivalry, one thing has remained fairly consistent: The artist travels; the audience stays put.
—Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025
Gryffindor stands for bravery, courage and chivalry; Hufflepuff is known for loyalty, kindness and hard work; Ravenclaw values wisdom, wit and a love of learning; Slytherin represents ambition, resourcefulness and determination.
—Kelsey Lentz, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chivalry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalry
Noun
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During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
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In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Post set the gold standard for manners and social behavior for generations of Americans, social graces still valued and taught today.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
19 June 2026
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Remember that coughing and sneezing without a mask is considered very bad manners, as is attempting to board a train at the last minute and potentially causing a late departure.—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
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Winemaker Matt Dees brings out elegance and balance in the wines, this one is no exception with juicy, savory, melt in your mouth bright strawberry/currant fruit.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
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While an ongoing drought could have led to an overripe style, mild summer temperatures and the vineyard’s privileged position combined to create a wine noted for its elegance and grace.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Chivalry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivalry. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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