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

Etna is a sociable fellow, but his conversations with other animals never indulge in pleasantries. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

The courtroom pleasantries represented a dramatic comedown for a strongman who once ruled Venezuela from a fortified presidential compound. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026

Meanwhile, a terse obituary for Steadman avoided any pleasantries. — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Mariano said of a scene in the first episode, in which newcomers made out with contestants immediately upon entering the villa without exchanging pleasantries. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026