1
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 Minet’s experiences follow a worrying pattern of civil society from Australia and India to the U.K. reporting dwindling space and more legal hurdles to their advocacy. Charlie Campbell, Time, 16 May 2025 The rules around federal civil proceedings are slightly more flexible, allowing for recording in some instances at the discretion of the judge. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 May 2025 More than three dozen athletes have joined in a civil lawsuit against the DCI, alleging the agency had violated their rights and smeared their reputations. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025 The status allows people already in the United States to live and work legally because their native countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife. Time, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
Adjective
  • The Razorbacks are expected to be a top 8 national seed, which will guarantee home field advantage before the College World Series.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2025
  • Three-time national championship-winning coach Dawn Staley weighed in on the rivalry between the two WNBA stars.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers?
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Perry was also quite gracious when another fan in the crowd handed her an album to sign.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
  • The building includes a 24-hour concierge and a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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