as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
a mannerly child is welcome everywhere
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Recent Examples of mannerly
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
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 mannerly
Adjective
-
There’s a difference between being polite and being passive.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Mannerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerly. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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