Synonyms of pleasantry

pleasantry

noun

ˈple-zᵊn-trē 

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

• gesture
• courtesy
• politeness
• formality
• civility
• manners
• ritual
• ceremony
• attention
• etiquette
• amenity
• greetings
• kindness
• rules
• rite
• decorum
• honors
• observance
• respects
• grace
• mores
• kindliness
• form
• proprieties
• regards
• favor
• protocol
• addresses
• devoirs

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

• joke
• laugh
• joking
• witticism
• wisecrack
• drollery
• giggle
• gag
• jape
• quip
• one-liner
• waggery
• funny
• jest
• rib
• sally
• nifty
• josh
• scream
• prank
• yuk
• boff
• humorousness
• parody
• funning
• raillery
• buffoonery
• crack
• humor
• banter
• comedy
• antic
• wisecracking
• riot
• trick
• repartee
• persiflage
• mockery
• leg-pull
• panic
• caper
• burlesque
• practical joke
• boffola
• put-on
• mock
• funniness
• kidding
• facetiousness
• caricature
• riff
• knee-slapper
• drollness
• wordplay
• hilariousness
• wit
• lampoon
• monkeyshine(s)
• thigh-slapper

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pleasantry

While most were silent, the few who traded muted pleasantries hushed as the homeowners of the Silver Court Trailer Park commenced their meeting. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The two fellow Arkansas natives exchanged pleasantries for about three minutes before heading to lunch at the Cowboys’ in-house restaurant. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026

But Suzanna sees her mom every Saturday, making the long trip out of New York, up the hill, through security, and into the glum room where their pleasantries wear thin. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026

After Frankel stuffed Stacey on a point-blank shot from the slot due to a Boston turnover, Stacey engaged in pleasantries with a pile of Fleet sweaters in front of the blue paint. — Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026