as in courteously
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
As seen in a video shared to X by Lizzie Robinson of ITV, the Princess of Wales politely said hello to a patient there, asked her name and made the connection between the woman and William, the heir to the throne.
—
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Fear, hunger and repression did not stop politely at national borders.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Tagovailoa was willing to answer that question on the record but politely declined to comment further.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
One of the biggest criticisms is the lack of flexibility within the defense, which Eberflus politely pushed back against.
—Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Like its predecessor, the new annex is a sleek, politely glowing object.
—Jackson Arn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
And though not new, the Black and Blue (2025 Mix) by the Rolling Stones barged its way back into my rotation; some obsessions, like certain bands and certain years, refuse to stay politely in the past.
—Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
Even the most situationally unaware neighbor should be able to remain politely quiet in the hope of getting caffeinated.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
From now on, politely refuse her dinner invitations.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025
Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Fear, hunger and repression did not stop politely at national borders.
—Philip Martin, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026
Tagovailoa was willing to answer that question on the record but politely declined to comment further.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
One of the biggest criticisms is the lack of flexibility within the defense, which Eberflus politely pushed back against.
—Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026
Like its predecessor, the new annex is a sleek, politely glowing object.
—Jackson Arn, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
And though not new, the Black and Blue (2025 Mix) by the Rolling Stones barged its way back into my rotation; some obsessions, like certain bands and certain years, refuse to stay politely in the past.
—Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025
Even the most situationally unaware neighbor should be able to remain politely quiet in the hope of getting caffeinated.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
From now on, politely refuse her dinner invitations.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politely
Adverb
-
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
Adverb
-
Decide what feels uncomfortable or exhausting and communicate your boundaries clearly and respectfully.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Comments that respectfully add alternatives often get more engagement than the original post.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The future of democracy is going to depend on our ability to think critically and disagree civilly.—
Mary Ellen Klas,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
-
As a drone whirred overhead and hooded people spray-painted the building and its fixtures, the protestors advocated for more civilly disobedient methods.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Naroditsky removes his blindfold and smiles shyly.—
Jordan Himelfarb,
Time,
15 Dec. 2025
-
By way of reply, the kid puffed up his chest and smiled shyly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politely. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
