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
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
-
The service The resort staff are freshly plucked from some of the best luxury Maldives resorts and global Ritz-Carlton properties, and greet each passing guest with an endearing right-hand-on-the-heart gesture and a nod.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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In a sea of prestige actresses doing dramedy, Byrne is a true comedic talent, sporting incredible instincts for finding the funniest angle for Sylvia to take in her line readings or gestures.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
And yet, Chisholm’s chat with Fallon sparked some jokes and blowback after the host asked the colorful character what the Yankees’ ultimate goal is this season.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2026
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The majority of the jokes come off as more asserted than delighted.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The cowboy hats, the team’s rally caps courtesy of assistant coach Carlie Chaulsett-Utley, emerged in league.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Musk owns around 42% of the total equity, but Musk exerts 85% control courtesy of his overwhelming ownership of the B’s.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The quest to find the better joke, the stronger laugh—that’s reason enough to keep on living.—
Michael Schulman,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
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These people had huge laughs Thursday morning over their airport Bloody Marys after realizing their words were treated as if serious.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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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
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Despite that underlying tension, kids play on the street outside while the large family has a dynamic like any other — noisily squabbling, joking, or in the case of the matriarchal grandmother, Mariam (Hiam Abbass), preparing a meal in a kitchen plagued by constant utility outages.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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