Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective courteous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of courteous are chivalrous, civil, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When can chivalrous be used instead of courteous?

While in some cases nearly identical to courteous, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Where would civil be a reasonable alternative to courteous?

The words civil and courteous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of courteous?

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 could polite be used to replace courteous?

The meanings of polite and courteous largely overlap; however, 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 courteous To help care for Park City, practice good trail etiquette by leaving no trace on the trails (staying on marked trails and packing up your garbage), being courteous of other hikers and mountain bikers, and never taking items like rocks or plants from the trail. AFAR Media, 7 July 2025 Though these Hongdae men try to push buttons, Sean Solo’s videos always emphasize how normal Korean men act as well, which is pretty courteous and nice in comparison. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 5 June 2025 Giving notice of a full calendar month is both courteous and a way to protect your security deposit. Jill Terreri Ramos, New York Times, 17 May 2025 As mentioned, this is a very popular trail, especially on the weekends, so try to be courteous and share the trail with other hikers. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for courteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteous
Adjective
  • Most of the time, generative AI has been tuned to be relatively polite and offers mild praise, though a user can easily up the ante by simply telling the AI to pour it on.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
  • There also were multiple paintings scattered throughout the fictional White House that poke fun at Trump’s military bravado as well as an image that seems to involve Trump and a sheep engaged in an activity not meant for polite company, not to mention that deepfake.
    Peter White, Deadline, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2025
  • While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.
    Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courteous

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