as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
the elderly gentleman comported himself with old-world, old-school mannerliness
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
a mannerly child is welcome everywhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mannerliness
Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
From a mannerly point of view: No good will come of this.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024
Remember that not all breeds are suited to all lifestyles, and some German dog breeds require a firm hand to encourage mannerly behavior. 1 Schnauzer Known for its spirited intelligence, this breed has long had a job to do on family farms as ratters, herders, guardians, and hunters.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Woman's Day, 23 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 17 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023
The last few years weren’t exactly a mannerly period of polite disagreement in our national life.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 2 Nov. 2021
At the previous debate, Mr. Biden quickly abandoned mannerly efforts to draw contrasts with her, and other high-polling rivals had until Tuesday largely refrained from issuing piercing criticism onstage.
—Matt Flegenheimer, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2019
Adjective
The mannerly thing to do would be to respond in kind.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 June 2025
From a mannerly point of view: No good will come of this.
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024
Remember that not all breeds are suited to all lifestyles, and some German dog breeds require a firm hand to encourage mannerly behavior. 1 Schnauzer Known for its spirited intelligence, this breed has long had a job to do on family farms as ratters, herders, guardians, and hunters.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Woman's Day, 23 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin, oregonlive, 17 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Jacobina Martin, Washington Post, 17 Mar. 2023
Any suggestions for a mannerly approach?
—Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023
The last few years weren’t exactly a mannerly period of polite disagreement in our national life.
—Rich Lowry, National Review, 2 Nov. 2021
At the previous debate, Mr. Biden quickly abandoned mannerly efforts to draw contrasts with her, and other high-polling rivals had until Tuesday largely refrained from issuing piercing criticism onstage.
—Matt Flegenheimer, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerliness
Noun
-
This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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Leighton said being respectful of the flight crew, keeping your stuff in order, disposing of your trash responsibly, and just generally minding your manners make the flying experience more pleasant for everyone.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Anne Hathaway’s Lureen, all rodeo sparkle and small-town ambition, is Jack’s half-hearted refuge; her final scene is a master class in polite denial, her eyes steel behind a frosty Texas drawl.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
27 June 2025
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Fittingly, a green laser shined out into the crowd as attendees turned from polite listeners to a rowdy mosh pit, singing every word.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
For some science, the discoveries will be limited by whatever the sky is gracious enough to give—a star must explode for the Rubin Observatory to spot a new supernova, for example.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
1 July 2025
-
Miss Manners is certain that your heartfelt gratitude, in the form of a gracious and appreciative handwritten letter, will be thanks enough.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
The second work gives her a chance to show off her flawless double stops, played with elegance.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
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Historical Mystery Show: Step into a world of Victorian elegance and deadly secrets when DeBary Hall Historic Site partners with Gateway Center for the Arts to present a Historical Mystery Show.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
The convergence of reason and gallantry, of irony and affection, struck a teasing tone.—
Merve Emre,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
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Written with filmmaker Matt Yoka, Possession marries the Band’s Americana with T. Rex’s fuzzy glam, anchored by Segall’s always-stellar guitar gallantry.—
Dan Reilly,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The royal family’s official website explains that there are no strict codes of conduct for meeting royals, only suggested traditional courtesies.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
8 July 2025
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The latest warning comes courtesy of ThreatFabric, which has been tracking Anatsa for years.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Short’s company, which took over management of the building in March, will handle booking events, catering, management and other hospitality for the venue, and is booking events through 2026.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
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Founded by architect Jose Hernandez, the firm designs residential and hospitality projects, from multiunit developments to single-family homes.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mannerliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerliness. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
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