courteously

adverb

Definition of courteouslynext
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
  1. kindly
  2. nicely
  3. thoughtfully
  4. politely
Adverb
  • Anna Fischbein grew accustomed to visits to her home in Sunny Isles, Florida, from the same kindly Haitian health aide every week for the past 10 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Instead, a server kindly brought me a double shot and a menu.
    — Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026
Definition of kindly
Adverb
  • Patrick Mahomes’ goal to be ready for Week 1 is trending quite nicely, as the three-time Super Bowl champion was cleared to participate in training camp without any limitations.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Veal and beef meatballs pair nicely with a smoky pomodoro sauce and mini rigatoni.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of nicely
Adverb
  • Every experience is thoughtfully curated, transforming a day at the beach into an opportunity to recharge both body and mind.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • Sitting down with The Athletic during pre-season, Szczesny answers questions thoughtfully, occasionally reaching into his pocket to pull out a vape, turning it over in his hands before taking a drag.
    — Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of thoughtfully
Adverb
  • The Dodgers should take the pressure off the players by politely declining an invitation to visit.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
  • Harrelson offered a puff to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who politely declined.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026
Definition of politely

Browse Nearby Words

courteous
courteously
courteousness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

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

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All