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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pleasantry
After the game officially ended, players exchanged handshakes and pleasantries.
—
Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
Back in October, Buster Posey expressed his disdain of opposing players exchanging pleasantries before games.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2025
Now as episode three hits the service, questions abound on the true nature of this joyous plague and the deep space transmission that caused all these annoying pleasantries.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The two exchanged a handshake and pleasantries before San Francisco's win over Atlanta on Sunday.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
Back in October, Buster Posey expressed his disdain of opposing players exchanging pleasantries before games.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2025
Now as episode three hits the service, questions abound on the true nature of this joyous plague and the deep space transmission that caused all these annoying pleasantries.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Nov. 2025
The two exchanged a handshake and pleasantries before San Francisco's win over Atlanta on Sunday.
—Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
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But the gesture may be more symbolic than practical, since the ordinance could be difficult to enforce if passed, according to the county’s attorney.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
13 Jan. 2026
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This is a childhood that had all its ordinariness burned out of it by the linking of even seemingly trivial gestures (an offering of candy, a bath, a swim, the dust in a corner of a room) to an entire array of physical and mental agonies.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors maintain the messages showed intent, not a joke or gossip.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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In one scene, Bing Crosby, who plays Tracy’s ex-husband in the movie, jokes about its size.—
Rachel Garrahan,
Vogue,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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An important piece of cosmic intel or a unique insight could arrive courtesy of a friend.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Jan. 2026
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Bieber paired the mesmerizing dress with large statement 30-carat diamond studs, a few diamond rings courtesy of Lorraine Schwartz, and a pair of black open-toed heels.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The laughs came thanks to some ace-level hosts.—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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The cops have a good laugh with her.—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Cole follows up with a joking request to appear on an interlude on the forthcoming project, then asks whether West could send him a care package of clothes — which West agrees to — before exiting the stage.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
28 Dec. 2025
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Our poll’s options include a joking reference to Dan Marino.—
Greg Cote
December 20,
Miami Herald,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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