couth 1 of 2

adjective

ˈküth How to pronounce couth (audio)
Definition of couthnext
as in civilized
having or showing a taste for the fine arts and gracious living he's remarkably couth for someone who grew up in a small town with limited cultural opportunities

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

couth

2 of 2

noun

as in accomplishment
a high level of taste and enlightenment as a result of extensive intellectual training and exposure to the arts their future son-in-law's lack of couth was of some concern to this patrician couple

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 couth
Noun
And a cluster of unquestionably lovely businesses have been bolstering the towns’ dreamy ideal since the ‘70s—couth spots like The White Barn Inn, and Ocean at The Cape Arundel Inn, both perfect for Muffy and Chip to get G&Ts between croquet and a dependably exquisite prix fixe. — Alexandra Hall, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2023 Even some of Durant’s Warriors’ teammates manifested their artsiness in less-than-couth ways. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 11 June 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for couth
  1. civilized
  2. accomplishment
  3. cultured
  4. civilization
  5. manners
  6. culture
  7. refinement
  8. education
Adjective
  • Her generation was one of thinkers, politically committed to defining how individuals were to be shaped as citizens of a civilized nation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • In Season 3, the team enters Dinopia, a civilized dinosaur world, to face threats endangering both worlds through friendship, courage, and teamwork.
    — Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026
Definition of civilized
Noun
  • Trump spent the opening minutes ticking through his administration’s claimed accomplishments.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026
  • But those things are not the only accomplishments the author has made with this book.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of accomplishment
Adjective
  • The collapse of the Gulf pearling industry — which began in the late 1920s on the arrival of cheaper Japanese cultured pearls — brought widespread poverty to the region, until the discovery of oil shortly after.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
  • Olmo’s deftness of touch to set up Porro for Spain’s second goal epitomised Spain’s cultured performance on the ball, but the fact that Spain’s performance was not always aesthetically pleasing will arguably please De la Fuente more.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of cultured
Noun
  • While Odysseus’ emotional journey here can be as choppy as a rough day at sea, and the ‘civilization is eroding’ theme is undercooked, the film’s bigger observations on the effects of war on those who are forced to participate in it are well met.
    — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Instead, cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema’s lens emphasizes the wildness of the landscape in a way that suggests how tentative civilization’s hold on this place is.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Definition of civilization
Noun
  • Abroad, it will be interpreted as representing the manners of all Americans, so your embarrassment is understandable.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
  • While the children are still young, Kate, who has partnered with JonnyPops on the brand’s Magic of Kindness campaign, has made good manners a priority in her household.
    — Genevieve Uzamere, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Definition of manners
Noun
  • The series unfolds against Japan’s ongoing debate over beauty standards – a culture growing more open to diverse appearances even as its cosmetic surgery sector remains one of its fastest-growing industries.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 July 2026
  • His reporting focuses on luxury travel and culture-forward experiences that explore how place, identity, and hospitality intersect.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
Definition of culture
Noun
  • And that final refinement process, the last 20%, is where the hardest thinking still lives.
    — Adam Taylor, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • The closure and blockade join other global events pushing fuel prices upward, including a disruption of Russian oil refinement due to an expansion of Ukrainian drone strikes.
    — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of refinement
Noun
  • Ellis said the county and Atlanta’s school board need that tax revenue to fund services like hospitals, courts and childhood education over the next three decades.
    — Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • But they're all connected by a love for adventure and a fascination with science—they're here to enjoy Lindblad's iconic education component that frequently sets the company apart from other expedition cruise lines.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of education

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cousins
couth
couture
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Cite this Entry

“Couth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/couth. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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