1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pleasantry
The All-Star walked from the end of the bench to near midcourt to flag down his coach and remind Bickerstaff that the Detroit Pistons had no interest in exchanging postgame pleasantries with the Charlotte Hornets after their 118-100 blowout win.
—
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Flagg and James exchanged pleasantries before and after the game, shaking hands twice on the court.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite the intensity on the court, Staley and Auriemma have typically exchanged public pleasantries, complimenting each others' successes and importance to the women's game.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Note that the service isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day?
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Flagg and James exchanged pleasantries before and after the game, shaking hands twice on the court.
—Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite the intensity on the court, Staley and Auriemma have typically exchanged public pleasantries, complimenting each others' successes and importance to the women's game.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
Note that the service isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming, but who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day?
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
-
Eric Ries in his 2026 book Incorruptible gestures toward similar uncompromising ideals before emphasizing practical safeguards.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
That simple gesture grounded her.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Noun
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Despite all of the excellent jokes, ultimately Night Night Fawn can be nothing other than a tragedy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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In casual conversation, it’s treated as a biological footnote, something between a quirk and a joke.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Born in New York to Nigerian parents, Folarin Balogun speaks with a British accent, courtesy of a childhood largely forged in England.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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There’s just this courtesy, and people are just very aware.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
Noun
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Guiterrez was killed just days before her 20th birthday and was described on GoFundMe by her sister as having the silliest laugh and biggest smiles, and giving the best hugs.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
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Often, the laughs on the show are generated by a delicate interplay between the music and the sound design.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Still, Yoon’s joking somehow lightens the mood.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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Sometimes a playful comment, an unexpected reply or a joking callout between brands takes on a life of its own online.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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