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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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

Several female athletes didn’t appear to take too kindly to the ad.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Sep. 2026
History does not remember those who stayed silent kindly, and neither will Brooklyn’s Jews.

— Doug Schneider, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindly

Adverb

Amenities and experiences The hotel’s main attraction is its rooftop pool and lounge, which, though a bit small, is nicely outfitted with couches, high top tables and wicker chairs and offers views of surrounding skyscrapers and Biscayne Bay.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Together, the look balances out nicely—a monochromatic finish with just a touch of personality.

— Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of nicely

Adverb

None of these extensions are more than a short walk away from the Manor House (the walks alone bring great pleasure), and all of them are thoughtfully furnished.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Now serving as co-CEOs, the siblings are thoughtfully charting the brand’s next chapter of growth.

— Kathy Lee, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of thoughtfully

Adverb

To keep their identities somewhat of a secret, Freddy and his traveling companions agreed to speak to a reporter on Saturday night but politely declined to reveal their last names or take a picture that includes their faces.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
At this year’s Munich Security Conference, Rubio said the same thing more politely.

— Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of politely

Browse Nearby Words

courteous

courteously

courteousness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Courteously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteously. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of courteously

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

volition

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18

Popular

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes