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
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
This superficial politeness hinders effective decision-making, erodes accountability, and leaves teams ill-equipped for pressure.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
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
This superficial politeness hinders effective decision-making, erodes accountability, and leaves teams ill-equipped for pressure.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
-
Coward was a steak-and-kidney pie kind of fellow, and the characters in his plays obsessed over their manners, their tableware and their tea.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Coward was a steak-and-kidney-pie kind of fellow and the characters in his plays obsessed over their manners, their tableware and their tea.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Standing for the first time free of coffles on his feet, a man holds his broken chain aloft in a gesture that predates the Black Power fist that would become popular a century after this sculpture was hewn from rock.—
Tyehimba Jess,
ARTnews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Two team presidents sat inside the council chambers as the ordinance passed, more than a gesture of appreciation.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The customer claimed the service lacked attentiveness throughout the evening — and that the staff failed to explain elements of the dining experience.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Life without that kind of attentiveness?—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brandi Rhodes is getting a new reality show, All Rhodes, courtesy of Magilla Entertainment, the production company behind Moonshiners, Diesel Brothers and Beachfront Bargain Hunt.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Apr. 2026
-
The Nuggets won a thriller on Christmas in Denver, squandering a lead late in the fourth quarter, courtesy of an Edwards triple at the end of regulation, only to then rally themselves to steal the game in overtime.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a sublime elegance embodied in the stylish furniture and textiles of its 308 rooms, suites, and residences; in the vases overflowing with colorful flowers; and in that delightful, distinctive scent that fills its communal areas.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The relaxed maxi silhouette and lightweight crepe fabric provide the perfect combo of elegance and comfort for a long dinner.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Catholic social teaching likewise calls us to uphold the dignity of every person and to engage in public life with civility and respect.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Laws promote civility, but only if cops effectively enforce them.—
Wendy Murphy,
Boston Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Honesty, honor, humility, truth, compassion, humanity, thoughtfulness, morality, true strength and decency.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
-
When aligned with purpose and executed with thoughtfulness, the brand experience becomes a living ecosystem, constantly reinforced by meaningful interactions.—
Terri Liebler,
Rolling Stone,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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