1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
inquiring after his wife was a simple politeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of politeness
The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
-
As for your wife’s objection, Miss Manners will point out that good manners need not mean being bulldozed by others.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
-
Church’s combination of talent, affability, and fine manners eased his way into New York’s élite, sometimes inspiring envy among his painter friends.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Yet such gestures failed to meet the scale of the problem.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
But on the flip side, some studies conclude that CODAs learn from playing interpreter at a young age to communicate better personally and professionally later in life, and may grow up endowed with special talents for conveying and reading facial expressions and gestures.—
Bob Brody,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
Noun
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The variance with accustomed Goodspeed values is apparent from the very first moments, though the opening gambit fails due to an appalling lack of attentiveness from the audience.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
As a professor of a notoriously difficult subject, Green said a teaching approach centered on encouragement and attentiveness has been the key to helping her students succeed.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It should be noted, though, that those goals came from the second power-play unit courtesy of McLeod and Bowen Byram.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
There’s more aerodynamic downforce courtesy of wild new body extensions, with louvers on the front wheel arches (presumably to let air escape the wheel well), a larger rear wing, new underbody diffusers, and aerodisc rear wheels.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 May 2026
Noun
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During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In 2018, timed to the hotel's 25th anniversary, a major $60 million renovation by Didier Lefort, one of Hill’s co-collaborators, brought a fresh, timeless elegance up to the present moment without ever diluting its true attraction—the rainforest.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
6 May 2026
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Nia Long exuded timeless elegance for her Met Gala debut, stepping onto the carpet in her signature natural glam.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 May 2026
Noun
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If Democrats win control, the first priority must be fiscal responsibility, lowering costs for working families and restoring civility — working together for Americans instead of self-interest or extreme ideology.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
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Continue reading … NATION ON EDGE — Stephen A Smith rips 'lip service' on civility after being at WHCA Dinner shooting.—
,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But the genes of his mother granted him empathy and a tendency to lead with thoughtfulness.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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Traits women are often taught to value, like thoughtfulness, awareness and generosity, can become a form of power when they’re used deliberately.—
Kelly Ehlers,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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