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
Adjective
The Bears had mounted a gallant comeback in the second half against the best team in football and were in a position to tie the score with a field goal or win the game with a touchdown. Steve Silverman, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Albert Suárez stepped in to pitch a gallant five innings but understandably could not go more on short notice. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024 If only our decade had a gallant narrative for the history books to counterbalance all of the sleaziness, like when the Continental Army took over airports during the Revolutionary War. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024 Posey became recognizable throughout Philadelphia for his fine clothes and gallant demeanor. Ramin Ganeshram, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for gallant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gallant
Adjective
  • Without every last one of those points, there’s no telling whether No. 1 Duke would’ve survived No. 4 Arizona’s valiant comeback attempt.
    The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Cybertruck is indeed a valiant effort in doing something new, and that’s not what most manufacturers dare to do.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But even if Van Hollen’s motivation for going to El Salvador was less than noble, the truth is there are things more important than the political fight of the day.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The coat of arms above serves as the door for the ‘most noble, most loyal, most valiant and always loyal’.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Inside, 16 relatively small pistons (92 mm) fire off in a magnificent short-stroke (78.55 mm) scream at 9,000 rpm.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His size doesn’t exactly blow you out of the water — not exactly the biggest dude at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds — but the natural talent is special.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That includes the dude competing with one arm and the other dude who when not falling repeatedly off a balance beam into the ocean was losing his grip 15 seconds into a challenge.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Her boyfriend, actor Callum Turner, was featured in many of the photos, which also featured them hanging out on the beautiful beaches in Albania.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Along with Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine costar Hugh Jackman, the friends have been spotted together on numerous occasions, including at NFL games in support of Swift's boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The princess doesn’t only want a man’s riches but the whole package – a husband with money that will romance her.
    Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Belinda's son Zion was originally meant to romance Piper in the season 3 finale, but that scene got scuttled due to time restraints.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Take the first step today and let your epic story unfold, one courageous step at a time.
    Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Originally bred as herding dogs, German shepherds earned the reputation of being affectionate, courageous and incredibly loyal.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Cancer, a disease that doesn’t discriminate and spares no one from its reach, has long been one of humanity’s greatest adversaries.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Gallant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gallant. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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