1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry
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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
At the end of the day, as my family shared pictures and pleasantries from our morning together, the group text really just wanted the casserole recipe.
—
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
Bobby Miller did not know Blake Snell at all, but the mutual admiration went beyond just pleasantries as Miller typed a direct message to the two-time Cy Young winner and his new teammate.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
The comedian walked into the venue exchanging pleasantries with staffers along the way.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries.
—Matt Seyler, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
Bobby Miller did not know Blake Snell at all, but the mutual admiration went beyond just pleasantries as Miller typed a direct message to the two-time Cy Young winner and his new teammate.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
The comedian walked into the venue exchanging pleasantries with staffers along the way.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries.
—Matt Seyler, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
-
Pope Francis has died, and as the tributes pour in — from presidents, cardinals and columnists — the world pauses to remember a man who led with gestures more than grandeur.—
Jack Hill,
Baltimore Sun,
23 Apr. 2025
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This little gesture offers them a sense of control after having recently lost it.—
Caroline Fleck, Contributor,
CNBC,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Joy Behar landed in hot water when a joke about a decades-old scandal fell flat.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Dave Chappelle roasted Donald Trump for taking over as chairman of the Kennedy Center—weeks after a past joke about the president went newly viral on social media.—
Jack Royston,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Noun
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Derrick White’s layup with 2:31 remaining in the fourth quarter tied the game at 91-91, but the decisive moments came courtesy of Franz Wagner, who answered with his own layup and another basket either side of a crucial miss by Tatum.—
Jamie Barton,
CNN Money,
26 Apr. 2025
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He's transformed, with a buzz cut, neatly shaven beard and a tan (courtesy of nearly two weeks in the Miami sun).—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Fans can also look forward to performances by the iconic Silver Spurs Quadrille, the adorable antics of kids competing in Mutton Bustin’, and plenty of laughs courtesy of the ever-entertaining rodeo clowns.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2025
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Jillian Bell's raunchy directorial debut is supplying the laughs this summer.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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