Synonyms of politeness

politeness

noun

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

• manners
• attentiveness
• gallantry
• courteousness
• elegance
• civility
• thoughtfulness
• courtesy
• hospitality
• gentility
• graciousness
• gracefulness
• mannerliness
• respectability
• genteelness
• respect
• gentlemanliness
• chivalry
• consideration
• refinement
• courtliness
• ceremony
• decorum
• urbanity
• deference
• breeding
• formality
• politesse
• friendliness
• cordiality
• ceremoniousness
• sociability
• geniality
• knighthood
• suaveness
• humility
• knightliness
• affability
• decency
• seemliness
• meekness
• decorousness
• chivalrousness
• ceremonialness
• modesty
• gentilesse
• unctuousness
• propriety
• shyness
• polish
• felicitousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rudeness
• impoliteness
• incivility
• discourtesy
• disrespect
• surliness
• boldness
• insolence
• audacity
• impudence
• impertinence
• brashness
• shamelessness
• vulgarity
• boorishness
• sauciness
• informality
• casualness
• churlishness
• ungraciousness
• delinquency
• discourteousness
• inappropriateness
• audaciousness
• impropriety
• presumption
• arrogance
• indecency
• incorrectness
• thoughtlessness
• brassiness
• clownishness
• loutishness
• conceit
• pretentiousness
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• improperness

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

• gesture
• courtesy
• manners
• civility
• formality
• etiquette
• attention
• ritual
• rules
• ceremony
• pleasantry
• kindness
• amenity
• greetings
• decorum
• rite
• observance
• respects
• honors
• regards
• kindliness
• proprieties
• grace
• mores
• form
• protocol
• favor
• addresses
• devoirs

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of politeness

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

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