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

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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

The ones who were looked confused but kindly dropped candy into our bags.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
In a bucket hat and without a care in the world, Murray speaks kindly but candidly about making his buddy Coyne’s TV dream come true.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of kindly

Adverb

Laserstein shows herself at work, gazing out at the spectator, her model peering thoughtfully over her shoulder, a collaborative force in the artwork rather than its passive object.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
The 2,800-square-foot spread, originally built in 1978, was thoughtfully reimagined by longtime friends Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, who have been working under the Ome Dezin name since 2020.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtfully

Adverb

Passengers should politely ask their seatmate to move rather than attempting to climb over them, which can cause injuries.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026
Their ensuing correspondence with the department began politely but devolved into threats and demands emphasized in italic type.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of politely

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courteous

courteously

courteousness

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“Courteously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteously. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of courteously

adverb

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