Synonyms of civility

civility

noun

sə-ˈvi-lə-tē 

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

• courtesy
• gesture
• politeness
• manners
• etiquette
• formality
• attention
• ritual
• rules
• ceremony
• pleasantry
• kindness
• amenity
• decorum
• greetings
• rite
• observance
• respects
• honors
• mores
• grace
• regards
• proprieties
• kindliness
• form
• favor
• addresses
• protocol
• devoirs

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

• manners
• politeness
• elegance
• gallantry
• attentiveness
• thoughtfulness
• courtesy
• gentility
• courteousness
• hospitality
• graciousness
• gracefulness
• respectability
• mannerliness
• respect
• genteelness
• gentlemanliness
• chivalry
• refinement
• courtliness
• decorum
• urbanity
• consideration
• ceremony
• breeding
• cordiality
• deference
• formality
• ceremoniousness
• knighthood
• politesse
• decency
• friendliness
• sociability
• humility
• geniality
• seemliness
• suaveness
• affability
• meekness
• knightliness
• ceremonialness
• chivalrousness
• decorousness
• gentilesse
• modesty
• unctuousness
• propriety
• polish
• shyness
• felicitousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incivility
• rudeness
• discourtesy
• disrespect
• boldness
• impoliteness
• insolence
• surliness
• audacity
• impudence
• brashness
• shamelessness
• vulgarity
• impertinence
• boorishness
• sauciness
• informality
• churlishness
• casualness
• ungraciousness
• delinquency
• indecency
• impropriety
• audaciousness
• presumption
• inappropriateness
• arrogance
• brassiness
• discourteousness
• incorrectness
• thoughtlessness
• loutishness
• clownishness
• conceit
• pretentiousness
• inconsideration
• inconsiderateness
• improperness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of civility

As there isn’t a scarcity of space and resources, everyone onboard is calmer, kinder—civility returns to the sky. — Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2026

The civility of the evening was evident to former Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, who has been a member of Congregation B’nai Israel for more than 40 years. — Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Walking and chatting with the blind man seemed to me the best possible introduction to Toronto, its temper, its welcome, its civility. — Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026

Serving on this board is a privilege, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to lead with respect, civility and compassion. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026