gallant 1 of 3

Definition of gallantnext
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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
The pre-match tifo at the Roker End depicted the County Durham legend of the giant Lambton worm, slayed by a gallant local hero. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for gallant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gallant
Adjective
  • With Steph Curry in street clothes for the second consecutive game while dealing with runner’s knee, the 11-man Golden State put up a valiant effort that resulted in a come-from-behind 101-97 win.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • An eight-point halftime lead completely vanished, and after a valiant comeback effort, SMU point guard Boopie Miller’s game-winning shot was blocked at the buzzer.
    Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • That love, of course, is a pure and noble one in this iteration.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Thank you for your attempt at helping in the noble cause of mannerliness, but Miss Manners is afraid that your suggestion represents the problem, not the solution.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • When the best that Dallas has to offer — from the architect to the builder to the landscaping and beyond — collaborate, the result is a contemporary home that feels timeless, restorative and magnificent.
    Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Benito’s magnificent staging mirrored our strength and encouraged us to stay in the fight, in whatever language speaks to our hearts.
    Lara N. Dotson-Renta, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • People don’t talk about him as much because of the other dudes.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
  • That dude was such a leader in that way.
    Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Actress Jessica Alba was spotted rocking a playful boho bikini and cap during a beach date with boyfriend Danny Ramirez.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Among their other sleepovers — from one night to four months — were two hotels, an Airbnb, a church parking lot, another campground, a townhome rental and three tiny guest houses — one at a co-worker’s boyfriend’s house.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The queen of pop took Wallis as the subject of her 2011 film W.E., a dual-timeline story following ‘90s New Yorker Wally Winthrop and the ‘30s-era socialite who romanced a king.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 24 Jan. 2026
  • In 1973, Boyd had an affair with Ronnie Wood, while Harrison did the same with Wood’s wife, and Harrison also later romanced Ringo Starr’s wife, Maureen Cox.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Their courageous action continues to pay off today.
    Larry D. Urish, Oc Register, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Do not just complain and comply, but engage in courageous resistance for liberty and justice for all.
    Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Suites with interconnecting doors across the balcony are a great choice for larger families, and most regular activities include child-friendly options, like the beginner’s surfing classes in calmer waves or toddler bikes for cycling along the nature reserve.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • There is a fantastic Lam retrospective at the Modern Museum of Art, but Scott had the idea months before and went to great lengths to convince Lam’s estate to collaborate.
    Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gallant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gallant. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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