Synonyms of courtesy

courtesy

noun

ˈkər-tə-sē 

1

as in kindness

an act of kind assistance

did me the courtesy of loaning me his jacket

Synonyms & Similar Words

• kindness
• service
• privilege
• grace
• indulgence
• mercy
• benevolence
• favor
• blessing
• benefit
• advantage
• waiver
• turn
• boon
• dispensation
• liberty
• license
• godsend
• manna

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• interference
• obstacle
• impediment
• hindrance
• hurdle

2

as in gesture

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

the greeting "How are you?" is often intended as no more than a courtesy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gesture
• manners
• politeness
• attention
• civility
• etiquette
• formality
• kindness
• ceremony
• ritual
• greetings
• rules
• amenity
• pleasantry
• rite
• honors
• decorum
• form
• respects
• regards
• grace
• observance
• favor
• proprieties
• kindliness
• addresses
• protocol
• mores
• devoirs

3

as in attentiveness

speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding

a woman who responds to every situation with courtesy and kindness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• attentiveness
• manners
• thoughtfulness
• gallantry
• courteousness
• elegance
• politeness
• graciousness
• hospitality
• civility
• gentility
• gracefulness
• mannerliness
• respect
• respectability
• consideration
• refinement
• deference
• ceremony
• ceremoniousness
• genteelness
• courtliness
• gentlemanliness
• chivalry
• breeding
• decorum
• cordiality
• formality
• friendliness
• urbanity
• humility
• decency
• politesse
• knighthood
• affability
• geniality
• suaveness
• ceremonialness
• knightliness
• decorousness
• sociability
• meekness
• seemliness
• chivalrousness
• modesty
• unctuousness
• gentilesse
• propriety
• polish
• shyness
• felicitousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discourtesy
• rudeness
• disrespect
• audacity
• boldness
• surliness
• incivility
• impoliteness
• insolence
• shamelessness
• impudence
• impertinence
• vulgarity
• brashness
• sauciness
• boorishness
• churlishness
• informality
• casualness
• ungraciousness
• delinquency
• audaciousness
• discourteousness
• impropriety
• arrogance
• presumption
• indecency
• inappropriateness
• incorrectness
• thoughtlessness
• clownishness
• loutishness
• brassiness
• conceit
• inconsideration
• inconsiderateness
• pretentiousness
• improperness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of courtesy

The pastry program comes courtesy of legendary French pastry chef François Payard, so the glass cases are particularly dangerous—filled with macarons, éclairs, Napoleons, fruit tarts, canelés, and excellent croissants. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026

Then Jefferson punched back, courtesy of a touchdown run from Clemson commitment Max Browne. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 2026

In addition to the historical displays and remembrances, Bennett said, there will be music courtesy of local band Emerald City and games and activities for children. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026

The only film in the franchise without Spielberg at the wheel, this final Indiana Jones adventure came courtesy of director James Mangold (Logan). — Frank Deruggiero, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026