Synonyms of pleasantries

pleasantries

noun

plural of pleasantry

1

as in courtesies

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners

"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• courtesies
• gestures
• formalities
• manners
• civilities
• attentions
• rituals
• greetings
• ceremonies
• amenities
• rules
• etiquettes
• rites
• honors
• respects
• observances
• mores
• forms
• addresses
• regards
• proprieties
• protocols
• favors
• graces
• decorums
• devoirs

2

as in jokes

something said or done to cause laughter

his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• jokes
• laughs
• wisecracks
• giggles
• witticisms
• quips
• gags
• one-liners
• japes
• jests
• funnies
• yuks
• sallies
• ribs
• screams
• joshes
• drolleries
• pranks
• nifties
• boffs
• waggeries
• tricks
• antics
• cracks
• comedies
• banters
• buffooneries
• riots
• parodies
• repartees
• humors
• boffolas
• panics
• capers
• practical jokes
• monkeyshines
• riffs
• burlesques
• knee-slappers
• mockeries
• wits
• caricatures
• leg-pulls
• mocks
• wordplays
• lampoons
• put-ons
• railleries
• persiflages
• thigh-slappers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pleasantries

The Dallas Cowboys welcomed in the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday afternoon for a joint practice at their summer home in Southern California, but the pleasantries did not last long. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026

After some pleasantries, Lathan and Ahlman usually kick off the discussion, throwing out ideas that the rest of the hosts will debate. — Daniel Strauss, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026

Starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, acquired by the Dodgers in a trade with the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, was in the Dodgers’ dugout during the game, exchanging pleasantries with his new teammates and coaches. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026

Etna is a sociable fellow, but his conversations with other animals never indulge in pleasantries. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

The courtroom pleasantries represented a dramatic comedown for a strongman who once ruled Venezuela from a fortified presidential compound. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026

Meanwhile, a terse obituary for Steadman avoided any pleasantries. — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Mariano said of a scene in the first episode, in which newcomers made out with contestants immediately upon entering the villa without exchanging pleasantries. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026

The Reynas and Berhalters, who grew up together and were in each other’s weddings, still might not be exchanging pleasantries or Christmas cards. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026