as in kindly
with good reason or courtesy
courteously suggested that we try other bookstores
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Recent Examples of courteously
When a visitor arrives in a classroom, a classroom ambassador welcomes them, introduces himself and the subject being taught, and courteously asks for the visitor’s name and affiliation.
—
Walter Fields, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Walter Fields, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteously
Adverb
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Life in America for young Black men is nothing if not uncertain, to put it kindly.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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In a similar vein, if a friend owes you for tickets, ask kindly for repayment and suggest a system for next time.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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Add mushrooms and cook until tender and nicely browned, about 7 to 10 minutes (depending on size), stirring occasionally (reduce heat to low after mushrooms have browned nicely on one side).—
Cathy Thomas,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 2026
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The hood fits nicely over a helmet without restricting peripheral vision, while a high-vis brim is a plus for night skiing.—
Benjamin Tepler,
Outside,
23 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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The result is a winery where the meal is as thoughtfully constructed as the Cabernet; where the chef and winemaker craft experiences instead of courses and vintages; where innovation feels organic, not performative.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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The rooms Choose from 28 luxury homes that are thoughtfully curated to display a refined take on Western lodge living—here, rustic elegance meets upscale comfort with timber beams, stone fireplaces, and rich Western-chic decor.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Jan. 2026
Adverb
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What behaves politely in one climate or situation can become problematic in another, such as a garden abutting an open landscape.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Jan. 2026
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Beckford later asked politely to try on my jacket—a black Double RL officer’s coat from the 90 —and noticed the tags and buttons of a bygone era.—
Zachary Weiss,
Vanity Fair,
18 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Courteously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteously. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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