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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective polite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of polite are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and gallant. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

When might chivalrous be a better fit than polite?

The synonyms chivalrous and polite are sometimes interchangeable, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is civil a more appropriate choice than polite?

Although the words civil and polite have much in common, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of polite?

The meanings of courteous and polite largely overlap; however, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of polite?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of polite What is a polite way to address this? R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025 Still, toss this theory around the locker room — about how that Week 16 contest influences this upcoming Week 2 one — and most will be polite but disagree. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025 There’s pressure to be a quiet, polite girl. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025 Laura, a gallery owner, is polite to Cherry, but is suspicious of her. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
Adjective
  • Penalties on penalties on penalties, gracious hosts, UCLA’s 13 flags Friday gifted the Lobos 116 yards – running the season’s tally to 30 penalties for 275 yards.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Goodness gracious, what an adorable little burrito that kid is!
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After the 1-0 win, Bright spoke to the media about being ‘proper English’.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The proper name for the show is IAA Mobility 2025, short for Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In July, a Santa Clara County jury ruled that Herchen had civil liability for the November 29, 2019 death of 36-year-old Alice Ku, who was last seen alive while the two were vacationing in the area of Hualien, Taiwan.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • That coverage was at odds with fostering civil dialogue and being willing to listen to the points of view of those who have differing opinions.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But all of that also was punctured in the last Super Bowl, when the Chiefs fell behind 34-0 before putting up some late points to make the final margin appear far more respectable than the game was.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Duke has at least been respectable for some time.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • An amicable run-in with his ex-wife in this episode has the same thoughtful feeling.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Her solution is to be thoughtful and focused on the right risks and opportunities.
    Jack McCullough, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Julie Rotblatt Amrany got the flying ponytail right and delivered a decorous portrayal that was well received.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The cost of parties, marketing, shipping, insurance, and the decorous administration of nearly five hundred sales a year only ever drifts one way.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Remember, drivers spend hours each day talking with passengers, and sometimes silence is the most courteous option.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Superficially courteous and casually racist, Jimmer is an old school authority figure, from his wide-brimmed hat to his work boots, and he’s presented as a fearful impediment to Marshall’s mission right from the jump.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Since its premiere in 2011, Downton Abbey has bid audiences adieu a few times — first, with its television finale after six seasons; then, over the course of two films, any one of which could have been a satisfactory conclusion for this cadre of characters.
    Mekishana Pierre September 11, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • While the golf course renovation was not satisfactory to many people, it was needed.
    Steven Franck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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