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
Relevance
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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
-
Post set the gold standard for manners and social behavior for generations of Americans, social graces still valued and taught today.
-
Remember that coughing and sneezing without a mask is considered very bad manners, as is attempting to board a train at the last minute and potentially causing a late departure.
Noun
-
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI rescinded the excommunications of the surviving bishops as a gesture towards reconciliation.
-
People would hang from windows, encouraging you to do naughty things, and my thumb has never been sorer from back-and-forth gestures.
Noun
-
That attentiveness showed up in small ways throughout our stay.
-
In the past 15 years, and especially in the last five, our city has seen an influx of pizza restaurants and chefs who’ve brought a diversity of styles and an attentiveness to elevated ingredients and approaches.
Noun
-
More than 30,000 complimentary Dasani water bottles will be distributed to fans entering through the First Base, Third Base and Left Field gates, courtesy of Liberty Coke Bottlers.
-
The statue’s creation is already underway courtesy of local sculptor Ben Victor.
Noun
-
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.
-
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.
Noun
-
What emerged was a wardrobe that balanced sensuality, ease and elegance.
-
There’s a certain elegance and sophistication to rooftop bars and restaurants captured in the American imagination.
Noun
-
The argument that the book makes is that, again, courage and civility -- only courage and civility will save us.
-
Beginning in her early teens, Joyce loved watching Kirk’s debates on Instagram, seeing in them not carefully honed rhetorical tactics but authentic civility.
Noun
-
Not much thoughtfulness, period.
-
And Kimmel, who has never been accused of thoughtfulness or thoroughness, claiming that Colbert's contract offer proves something is once again wrong.
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
