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
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Recent Examples of civility
When civility becomes the standard rather than the exception.
—
Denise Horland, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Catholic social teaching likewise calls us to uphold the dignity of every person and to engage in public life with civility and respect.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Laws promote civility, but only if cops effectively enforce them.
—Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The four candidates for Sacramento County’s 1st Supervisorial District gathered at the Coloma Community Center on Thursday evening for a forum that that was long on both info and civility.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civility
Denise Horland, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Catholic social teaching likewise calls us to uphold the dignity of every person and to engage in public life with civility and respect.
—Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Laws promote civility, but only if cops effectively enforce them.
—Wendy Murphy, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
The four candidates for Sacramento County’s 1st Supervisorial District gathered at the Coloma Community Center on Thursday evening for a forum that that was long on both info and civility.
—Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for civility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civility
Noun
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Photograph courtesy 2025 Adama Films / Shochiku Yasujirō Ozu, who made dozens of masterworks from the nineteen-thirties through the early sixties, is among the most misunderstood of great directors.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
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Check out the map below, courtesy of the Orange County registrar of voters’ office, to find the nearest vote center or ballot drop box to you for the 2026 primary election.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Did my mom teach me manners that no longer exist?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
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That kind of no-reply email must surely be bad manners, or worse.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Where small gestures carry weight.—
Peter Folan,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
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As the team toasted his 900th career win as a major-league manager, Counsell downed the bitter-tasting liqueur, a celebratory gesture for someone who’s not exactly known as a party animal.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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This 50-room boutique hotel in the French Quarter of Charleston aims to nurture a sense of relaxation and comfort, elegance and warm hospitality.—
Asa Canty,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
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For many women of color, the slick-back bun was, and is, a perfect intersection of elegance and endurance.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
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.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
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In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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As a professor of a notoriously difficult subject, Green said a teaching approach centered on encouragement and attentiveness has been the key to helping her students succeed.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
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In Smith’s attentiveness, the painting became a locus of communion, one that linked him to the artist who made it.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Traits women are often taught to value, like thoughtfulness, awareness and generosity, can become a form of power when they’re used deliberately.—
Kelly Ehlers,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2026
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Honesty, honor, humility, truth, compassion, humanity, thoughtfulness, morality, true strength and decency.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civility. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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