gallant 1 of 3

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gallant

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noun

1
as in dude
a man extremely interested in his clothing and personal appearance he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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gallant

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gallant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gallant are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

Where would chivalrous be a reasonable alternative to gallant?

The words chivalrous and gallant can be used in similar contexts, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When could civil be used to replace gallant?

While the synonyms civil and gallant are close in meaning, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When can courteous be used instead of gallant?

Although the words courteous and gallant have much in common, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When might polite be a better fit than gallant?

The words polite and gallant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

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 gallant
Adjective
In 1951, George Reeves played the gallant superhero in the first feature film based on a DC Comics character, Superman and the Mole Man. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 11 July 2025 Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Karl Mondon, Mercury News, 25 May 2025 Curiosity is an optimistic treasure hunt—a gallant search that occurs without proof or guarantee. Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for gallant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gallant
Adjective
  • Journey with Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to experience a classic story with distinctly local flair.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the valiant efforts, catch-up hockey does not become them.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And we are blessed beyond measure to have loved and been loved by this noble giant of a man.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Such structures, including residences and fortresses, were created by religious authorities and noble families, according to the city’s tourism website.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • And rather than find a convenient piece of music and just slap it onto his choreography, Webre sought to recreate the edgy music of the Roaring '20s, that magnificent economic bubble that framed Fitzgerald’s tale about the rise and fall of the American Dream.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The thrust through $60 was magnificent given the fact that this resistance level has been in place since last November.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The bounty hunter kills some random dudes who are dumb enough to cross him and steals a Falka doll from some little girls who have adopted the Rats as folk heroes.
    Scott Meslow, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Because why else would everyone want to get rid of the dude?
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has confirmed her relationship with new boyfriend Jim Curtis, posting a photo of him on Instagram to celebrate his birthday on Sunday.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Prosecutors said that during one visit to the assisted living facility, Fireside got access to the bank account belonging to her mother's boyfriend, then called the bank and guided him on resetting his online information.
    Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This is the place that Manchester calls home for the next six months, leaving occasionally to sell video games for cash, go to church, and romance a local single mother named Leigh Wainscott.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Hit the trails at a state park, romance your partner on a sunset ride, or challenge your skills on a running trail.
    Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But in Podnieks’ own country, he was celebrated and respected as a rare source of truth telling and courageous reporting on a world that was changing fast.
    Will Tizard, Variety, 2 Nov. 2025
  • What People Are Saying Thanks to the courageous survivors of Epstein's abuse, justice is coming to Andrew.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • WeRide is a member of this year’s Future 50, Fortune’s annual ranking of companies with the greatest potential for growth.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • After looking over the latest update from Jim Bowden, the odds of Bregman staying with the Red Sox are not looking too great currently.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gallant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gallant. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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