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
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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
Republicans defended Kirk, condemning the political violence that led to his death and calling for civility.
—
Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.
—Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Eisgruber also believes that speech should conform to norms of civility.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.
—Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025
To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.
—Maurizio Valsania, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2025
Eisgruber also believes that speech should conform to norms of civility.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2025
When human decency and basic civility fall victim to partisanship and ideology, and abhorrence of violence becomes tempered by political aims, monstrosities and tyrannies become possible.
—Michael Bloomberg, Twin Cities, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civility
Noun
-
Photograph courtesy Oscilloscope Laboratories 3.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
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In between his different projects, Emms took time to talk to THR about The Choral, being part of the Star Wars universe, courtesy of Andor, and what is next for him.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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For my British mum, Paddington was manners, tea, and marmalade sandwiches.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
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Halsey might be welcoming fans back to the badlands, but that doesn’t mean people are allowed to have bad manners at their shows.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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This magical moment is a gesture of love and gratitude that lights up a smile brighter than the most grandiose display of holiday decorations, making every stressful minute of holiday gift shopping completely worth it.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
10 Nov. 2025
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Byrne tends to favor movement that’s kinetic but a little crooked—the sorts of blunt gestures that, theoretically, anyone can do.—
Amanda Petrusich,
New Yorker,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Charlotte is not faring much better, immediately picking up on her outsider status in this lily-white town, and the way her new neighbors offer only bare-minimum politeness.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
3 Nov. 2025
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Altman wasn't joking about the price of politeness.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The car embraces elegance without compromising on performance philosophy.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
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The house’s signature elegance has been woven into the styles, too, with the quartet showcasing classic silhouettes, subtle hues, and timeless materials that create a quiet luxury feel.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
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There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
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Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Creating the menu for the new restaurant took that same attentiveness.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
6 Nov. 2025
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Tilting your head toward another person indicates attentiveness and eagerness.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Axiom’s Recipe for Success The thoughtfulness required for such high-quality pest control is reflected in Axiom's practical and scientific methods.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Behind the toast, there’s also a glimpse of Swift’s signature thoughtfulness.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civility. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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