politeness

noun

Definition of politenessnext
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

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 politeness She’s used to chief stews who yell and is thrown off by Aesha’s politeness. — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 Southworth started focusing more specifically on civility, decency, and politeness after COVID, when many employees were fleeing the hospitality industry—all while the membership at their clubs was doubling. — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 The board member who survives every conversation about them has been preserved not by respect but by politeness. — Audrey Russo, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Good bathroom etiquette here is less about politeness than safety, since a crowded aisle is something the crew would rather avoid. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026 For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well. — Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
  1. manners
  2. gesture
  3. attentiveness
  4. courtesy
  5. gallantry
  6. elegance
  7. civility
  8. thoughtfulness
Noun
  • This job will most likely fall on you, but your child can certainly practice ​good manners by drawing a picture, writing their name, or even decorating the envelope.
    — Amanda Rock, Parents, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The Casual Drive Around town, the T/A+’s mild road manners play huge dividends.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of manners
Noun
  • To paste somewhere else, do the opposite gesture by pinching or spreading three fingers open.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In an endearing gesture from a multimillionaire who ran a thriving entertainment production company specializing in true-crime shows, McDonnell was coming to offer a sweet form of thanks to the bank’s sales team.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of gesture
Noun
  • For instance, Sentry works with trucking clients to improve driver ergonomics to enhance attentiveness and focus, which Zernicke says is a high-return-on-investment for fleet operators.
    — Sentry Insurance, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Throughout the studies, participants also reported less daytime sleepiness, less frequent muscle weakness, and greater attentiveness.
    — Elaine Chen, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of attentiveness
Noun
  • The latter come courtesy of Gravy, a puppet Dirnt used back in the day to entertain his pals on the road that inspired a cinematic counterpart.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s game pits French champions and Champions League winners PSG against Premier League side Villa, who lifted the Europa League courtesy of a 3-0 win over Freiburg.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • In World Cup lore, however, his gallantry is doomed to be overshadowed by that of his fellow-goalkeeper from Cabo Verde, Vozinha, who had already produced an uncanny impersonation of a brick wall on the fourth day of the tournament.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • In all of these cases, the effect is largely the same—forging intimacy through some level of generosity or gallantry, coupled with pure, physical proximity—and in 2026, all of them are still technically possible.
    — Sara Delgado, Vogue, 9 July 2026
Definition of gallantry
Noun
  • Tassel accents make a great outfit anchor; what once adorned the home brings elegance and opulence to your wardrobe.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Nine-foot ceilings enhance the feeling of spaciousness on the first floor while hardwood flooring, used throughout much of the home, and impressive millwork that includes crown molding and chair rails, adds elegance.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegance
Noun
  • This is truly a war against science and civility by cruel people in a ridiculous revenge frenzy.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Bipartisan support is needed to enact legislation, and civility is required to negotiate common ground.
    — Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026
Definition of civility
Noun
  • Human qualities like ambition, humility, and thoughtfulness speak louder, even for the quietest candidates.
    — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • Talat’s mocktails display the same thoughtfulness, intention and care as the food.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of thoughtfulness

Browse Nearby Words

politely
politeness
politesse
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Cite this Entry

“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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