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as in national
of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

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

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

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 can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but 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 civil When her husband arrived, the interaction was anything but civil. Ashley Vega, People.com, 4 July 2025 Though Wu was never charged, Northwestern reassigned her grant funding, closed her lab and forcibly admitted her to the university’s psychiatric hospital, according to a civil complaint filed June 23 in Cook County Circuit Court. Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2025 Now, emerging issues abroad such as the Israel-Iran conflict and at home, like the attacks on politicians and ongoing civil unrest over immigration enforcement actions, have all caused ripple effects in New York City. Mark Morales, CNN Money, 4 July 2025 The Diddy federal trial is the outgrowth of a civil suit filed, in 2023, by Ventura against Combs. Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
Adjective
  • Bednarek ran a personal best (19.68) for silver, but De Grasse set a national record (19.62).
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Yes, Brigham Young had a terrific season; Gonzaga remains highly relevant on the national scene; and San Diego State has performed well in March over the years.
    Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a difference between being polite and being passive.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Fittingly, a green laser shined out into the crowd as attendees turned from polite listeners to a rowdy mosh pit, singing every word.
    Ellise Shafer, Variety, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
  • Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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