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

Examples of courteous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The service is also top-notch, with knowledgeable and courteous staff. Caroline Griswold, Vogue, 23 July 2024 Managed by experienced stewards available 24 hours a day throughout the entire two-week tournament, the queue is mostly maintained with a light touch that reflects the event's orderly and courteous nature. Jon Haworth, ABC News, 11 July 2024 Wilson’s endorsements – which include former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. — praise her courtroom demeanor as fair, unflappable, courteous and efficient. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2024 Polite prompts may direct the system to retrieve information from more courteous, and therefore probably more credible, corners of the Internet. Webb Wright, Scientific American, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for courteous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'courteous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near courteous

Cite this Entry

“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on courteous

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