politely

adverb

Definition of politelynext
as in courteously

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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 politely The manager can then politely ask that the food not be served while offering an alternative. — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Employers are advised to clarify interview protocols, politely manage parental presence, and focus on assessing the candidate's individual merits. — Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 If another passenger refuses to share the armrests, experts recommend politely speaking up before asking a flight attendant for help. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 Early automotive lamps were less like searchlights and more like dim lanterns politely suggesting that there may or may not be a vehicle present. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 This could leave you feeling confused whether you’re being praised, tested or politely managed. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026 The woman usually introduces herself politely and grabs a seat to listen to the whistle of hot water pouring from a thermos. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 Harrelson offered a puff to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who politely declined. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026 By then, von Stroheim had offered his services to the French army, which thanked him politely but declined. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politely
  1. courteously
  2. respectfully
  3. civilly
  4. shyly
Adverb
  • Two inspectors knocked on doors and spoke courteously to surprised visitors who displayed booking contracts on their phones, the inspectors’ bodycam footage showed.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • When a visitor arrives in a classroom, a classroom ambassador welcomes them, introduces himself and the subject being taught, and courteously asks for the visitor’s name and affiliation.
    — Walter Fields, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of courteously
Adverb
  • Because this is an ongoing investigation, the family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • While the traditional Swedish version, called a prinsesstårta, typically features a layer of raspberry jam and a bright green marzipan coating, Sant Ambroeus’ iteration is respectfully remixed for a more metropolitan crowd.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of respectfully
Adverb
  • Those held by Customs and Border Protection near the border, or by ICE in the country’s interior, are civilly detained for the purpose of removal proceedings.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The prosecutor’s office said it was notified the following week that the hospital would not civilly commit him, and he was released.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of civilly
Adverb
  • At one moment, the young prince glances down with his doe eyes before looking shyly off to the side at his mom and breaking out into a giggle.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Burke entered the packed courtroom with shackles around his waist and, for a brief moment, seemed to smile shyly at the room.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 22 July 2026
Definition of shyly

Browse Nearby Words

polite
politely
politeness
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Cite this Entry

“Politely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politely. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on politely

Nglish: Translation of politely for Spanish Speakers

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