1
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
treated people from all walks of life with the same unfailing civility
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of civility
In her vast experience monitoring civility, Miss Manners has observed that high standards, although perhaps rare everywhere, are just as likely, or perhaps even more likely, to be found among the lower as among the upper brackets.
—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
In 2016, voters were asked to choose between a populist candidate dogged by questions about his integrity, judgment, decency, civility, empathy, and respect for everyone from complete strangers to his own wife, and an overqualified, glass-ceiling-smashing woman.
—
Shannon A. Mullen,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
The question now is whether civility and mutual cooperation can survive the transformation from little town to big one.
—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
But these days civility, much like rudeness, can ride a stream of shares and retweets to the far corners of the world.
—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for civility
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
In 2016, voters were asked to choose between a populist candidate dogged by questions about his integrity, judgment, decency, civility, empathy, and respect for everyone from complete strangers to his own wife, and an overqualified, glass-ceiling-smashing woman.
—
Shannon A. Mullen,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
The question now is whether civility and mutual cooperation can survive the transformation from little town to big one.
—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
But these days civility, much like rudeness, can ride a stream of shares and retweets to the far corners of the world.
—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
1 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for civility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civility
Noun
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Sugar is at the forensic lab with the corpse of a man who looks an awful lot like Ji Moon but isn’t Ji Moon (courtesy of Shea Whigham as Tom Flybjerg).
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The purists were always going to take issue with a Prancing Horse that had an electric powertrain instead of snarling internal combustion engine, but its unorthodox design, courtesy of Jony Ivy’s LoveFrom studio, has received just as much criticism.
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.
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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.
Noun
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Many were disappointed that their families were not included in any kind of goodwill gesture.
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Reese won the first one with LSU while delivering a taunting gesture toward Clark along the way, but Clark and Iowa took the rematch in 2024.
Noun
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Good bathroom etiquette here is less about politeness than safety, since a crowded aisle is something the crew would rather avoid.
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For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well.
Noun
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Co-founder Doug Frost is one of only a handful of people alive to hold both the Master Sommelier and Master of Wine titles, and the team utilise that world view to produce elegant Bordeaux and Rhone blends that capture a local identity and speak to a crowd wanting wanting elegance and acid.
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Swift is all about classic silhouettes and her wedding gown will likely have timeless elegance.
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.
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In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.
Noun
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In the past 15 years, and especially in the last five, our city has seen an influx of pizza restaurants and chefs who’ve brought a diversity of styles and an attentiveness to elevated ingredients and approaches.
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That attentiveness has allowed the family to build meaningful connections with both children, despite the challenges that come with their condition.
Noun
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Not much thoughtfulness, period.
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And Kimmel, who has never been accused of thoughtfulness or thoroughness, claiming that Colbert's contract offer proves something is once again wrong.
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civility. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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