as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
a mannerly child is welcome everywhere
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Recent Examples of mannerly
Still, to sit opposite him at a small table is just a bit like being hooked to a polygraph, despite his air of mannerly warmth.
—
Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The most mannerly thing would be to pass the requests on to your sons and their wives.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 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?
—Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023
Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026
The most mannerly thing would be to pass the requests on to your sons and their wives.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 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?
—Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Mar. 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerly
Adjective
-
At the center of it was Catherine, vividly sending up an entire genre of the show-business underbelly that no one ever referenced on polite middle-American network television.—
Merrill Markoe,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
-
And even then, it was couched in the polite, ambiguous language.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Through gracious moves and quiet motion, his presence adds more drama to a simple image.—
Cecilia Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Mannerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerly. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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