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
Although the Musée Granet finally acquired its first Cézanne in 1984, Aix has long had a shaky relationship with its most famous native son, who shocked the art world—and his hometown—with his bold departure from the hazy pleasantries of Impressionism.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
By contrast, Blatter’s successor is characterised as a man in a hurry, too busy to dwell too long on pleasantries.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
But beneath the pleasantries, motives start to be questioned leading to a devastating series of events.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
There was no discussion, even, of the rainy weather, and few pleasantries were exchanged.
—Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 June 2025
By contrast, Blatter’s successor is characterised as a man in a hurry, too busy to dwell too long on pleasantries.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
But beneath the pleasantries, motives start to be questioned leading to a devastating series of events.
—Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025
There was no discussion, even, of the rainy weather, and few pleasantries were exchanged.
—Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
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Also on the Law and Order: Special Victims Unit set, her costar and longtime friend Ice T gestures to photographers in between takes on July 31 in New York City.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
In short, the executive order is essentially a political gesture.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Following Colbert’s ongoing jokes at the president’s expense, Trump has celebrated the talk show’s demise.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
17 Aug. 2025
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The kind of joke where the laughter is bitter and sticks in your throat, but still.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Alba’s look came courtesy of the eponymous designer’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which debuted as part of Paris Fashion Week in June.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
11 Aug. 2025
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The Cowboys would end up scoring their first points of the preseason on that drive courtesy of a 35-yard Brandon Aubrey field goal to cut their first-half deficit to 14-3.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Like, just write 100 tunes and record them all (laughs).—
Ed Masley,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
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Andrés joked in reply, prompting a laugh from Meghan.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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