gallant 1 of 3

1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament a gallant firefighter, rushing into the burning house to save the children a gallant rescue

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2
3

gallant

2 of 3

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2

gallant

3 of 3

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
Noun
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
  • Meanwhile, a Tigers team that was the American League’s best for much of the regular season enters an odd winter after a September and October of valiant effort but ultimately unfulfilled expectations.
    The Athletic MLB Staff, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Kurtz made a valiant effort for the A’s in Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, going 1-for-3 with a single plus a walk and scoring from second off a Shea Langeliers double in the eighth inning.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something noble in that.
    Elise Devlin, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
  • It was founded on noble ideas (rights of citizens, representative government), and the Revolution had produced its own mythology (Bunker’s Hill, heroes of seventy-six).
    John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Next on Skyscanner’s list of trending destinations, with searches up 107 percent year-over-year is Jaipur, India’s magnificent Pink City.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Of course, this is aided by the magnificent work of cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who partnered with GDT on his Best Picture-winning .
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Steelers-Bengals game presents an incredible nod to human potential, and a great chance to see two old dudes – both of whom just happen to be Super Bowl-winning QBs like Brady and Brees – duke it out.
    Coy Wire, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Way to take the high road, dude.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The artist and politician started dating after Perry was freshly single from her split from longtime boyfriend Orlando Bloom.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Then, Jenner's boyfriend, actor Timothée Chalamet, also made a big change with a dramatic buzz cut.
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 13 Oct. 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
  • In her latest book, Strong Ground, Brown makes a compelling case that we’re not wired for this level of uncertainty, and risk losing focus on the core values of courageous and sustainable leadership.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This was a fearless and courageous person.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Given these complex three-way dynamics, Delhi will likely continue to upgrade ties to the Taliban regime, and support its efforts to gain greater independence from Pakistani influence.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Reese had some great tunes for her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gallant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gallant. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

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