as in courteously
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Recent Examples of politely
Kerr spoke for the first time on Tuesday, an hour or so before news of Kuminga’s new deal broke, answering only a few questions about the 22-year-old forward’s status before politely declining to answer anything else until the contract negotiations were settled.
—
Nick Friedell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The queen greeted this insane question with a politely regal stare, ignored my faux pas, and continued talking about financial inclusion.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Explain exactly what’s happening and then politely ask them to stop doing it, which is more effective than issuing a command, says Pamela Eyring, president of the Protocol School of Washington, which provides etiquette training programs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Hayes explained that passengers requesting swaps should do so politely, with no pressure, and must accept a refusal without argument.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Ronson politely demurred the money twice until Combs barked at him with an expletive to take the money.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Irwin politely refused to accept Tonioli and Hough's adulations, crediting it all to his partner.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
But on Tuesday, the media was politely asked to leave the Royals clubhouse as the team called a meeting.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025
After Taylor and Steven politely ask him to leave their place, Denise reluctantly allows Jere to crash at her place.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Nick Friedell, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
The queen greeted this insane question with a politely regal stare, ignored my faux pas, and continued talking about financial inclusion.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Explain exactly what’s happening and then politely ask them to stop doing it, which is more effective than issuing a command, says Pamela Eyring, president of the Protocol School of Washington, which provides etiquette training programs.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 24 Sep. 2025
Hayes explained that passengers requesting swaps should do so politely, with no pressure, and must accept a refusal without argument.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025
Ronson politely demurred the money twice until Combs barked at him with an expletive to take the money.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 18 Sep. 2025
Irwin politely refused to accept Tonioli and Hough's adulations, crediting it all to his partner.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025
But on Tuesday, the media was politely asked to leave the Royals clubhouse as the team called a meeting.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2025
After Taylor and Steven politely ask him to leave their place, Denise reluctantly allows Jere to crash at her place.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politely
Adverb
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Evergreen officials respectfully declined.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
27 Sep. 2025
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The district remains committed to ensuring all athletic competitions are conducted safely and respectfully.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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When a defendant's case is dismissed because of permanent incompetence, judges can consider whether the defendant should be civilly committed for involuntary mental health treatment.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
27 Sep. 2025
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Following due process and input from medical professionals, a judge will decide whether Kelly should be civilly committed.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
25 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Percy looked up at the camera, shyly posing with his new look.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politely. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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