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

But as my husband observed and very kindly reminded me, many families here spend three or four uninterrupted holiday weeks together.

— Brooke Black, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
The Cuban government, predictably, did not take the report’s suggestions kindly.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of kindly

Adverb

The amenities in the room are unmarked, in beautiful refillable containers, and have a natural, earthy scent that blends nicely with the environment.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Gia does seem to be settling nicely into her second stint as an NFL WAG, though.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of nicely

Adverb

On-site boutiques and convenience stores add ease, while thoughtfully placed artifacts and local artwork deepen the connection to Hawaiian culture.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The film has drawn the somewhat odd criticism — also cited, candidly, in a review from his publication — that the story is told almost exclusively from the point of view of Israelis, a complaint to which Cohen responds thoughtfully.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of thoughtfully

Adverb

Among the hundreds of thousands of people who took to the streets in France on Tuesday were Paolina and Violette, eighteen and seventeen years old, arguing politely with a white-haired man sucking apple juice from a juice box.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Kaya spoke first at the hearing, politely greeting the judge from a seat in front of a set of curtains.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 8 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 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of courteously

adverb

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