COURTEOUSLY Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

courteously

adverb

Definition of courteously

as in kindly

with good reason or courtesy courteously suggested that we try other bookstores

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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 courteously Two inspectors knocked on doors and spoke courteously to surprised visitors who displayed booking contracts on their phones, the inspectors’ bodycam footage showed. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteously

Adverb

Ortega brings the right wide-eyed wonder to this kindly android that just wants to be Josie’s pal, having no idea about a secret medical condition that afflicts Josie.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Terrence split almost immediately, and Julianne deposited her small son on the Missouri farm of her Uncle Claude, a stoic, kindly old man.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindly

Adverb

After a frosty start Monday, temperatures will rebound nicely into the lower 70s.

— Steven Sosna, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Think earthy stone surfaces, deep woods, and sleek modern headboards juxtaposed with the kind of rustic, wooly blankets that would fit nicely into Ralph Lauren’s Colorado ranch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of nicely

Adverb

Skipping the betting apps, or at least thoughtfully budgeting for them as entertainment, is only part of it, because money left sitting in savings accounts also misses out on compounding.

— Jamie Franco, global macro and cross-asset strategist, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Companies that thoughtfully build and prioritize autonomous agents, which includes accounting for context, can better protect themselves from operational consequences.

— Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtfully

Adverb

Can his anti-establishment, punk-rock spirit politely endure an attaboy from the man?

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
My New York neighbors barely said hello; in Singapore, a stranger would probably politely look away rather than risk embarrassing you.

— Amanda Lee Koe, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of politely

Browse Nearby Words

courteous

courteously

courteousness

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“Courteously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteously. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of courteously

adverb

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