1
as in gracious
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
it's only polite to hold the door for the person behind you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in proper
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste
such matters are never mentioned in polite conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 polite
Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Under the guise of polite party banter, the two trade barbs, each speaking on behalf of their respective cause.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 2025
To many observers, Modi’s success stemmed from his willingness to play on profound resentments, which for decades had been considered offensive to voice in polite society.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Just remember to be polite, follow the rules, and treat the hotel staff with respect.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Adjective
Is there a polite way to ask for clarification on this point?
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2025
Under the guise of polite party banter, the two trade barbs, each speaking on behalf of their respective cause.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 2025
To many observers, Modi’s success stemmed from his willingness to play on profound resentments, which for decades had been considered offensive to voice in polite society.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Just remember to be polite, follow the rules, and treat the hotel staff with respect.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
Adjective
-
Perry was also quite gracious when another fan in the crowd handed her an album to sign.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
14 May 2025
-
The building includes a 24-hour concierge and a gracious lobby with a residents’ lounge.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Burial evidence linked to potential victims of obstetric deaths suggests not all infants who died early received proper burials or were even born free.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
The helmsman, feeling swells beneath the vessel, gleans the proper heading, even in the dark.—
The Conversation,
The Conversation,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Minding your manners will make the trip better for everyone.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, in a moving gesture, Leo offered to continue the blessing that the late Pope Francis started from the same balcony the day before his death.—
Raúl E. Zegarra,
Time,
17 May 2025
-
Gentle affectionate gestures usually are the prelude to intimacy, like a hand on your back, a caress on the cheek or even just cuddling in bed.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
Coleman, a reverend and attorney, who devoted his life to fighting civil injustices and easing the burdens of those around him, died on May 9 from leukemia.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2025
-
This could include legal pursuits such as civil lawsuits intended to prevent AGI from being reached.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
The maximum charging speed is a respectable 128 kW for the larger battery and 102 kW for the smaller one, which equates to a charge from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes.—
Utkarsh Sood,
New Atlas,
24 May 2025
-
Duchene has a respectable 18 individual scoring chances in the playoffs, per Natural Stat Trick, including 11 high-danger ones.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Their only early scoring was courtesy of back-to-back two-out doubles from Freeman and Smith in the bottom of the fourth.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
21 May 2025
-
Published on May 21, 2025 By Jaclyn Trop Photo : David Westphal, courtesy of Cadillac Photo : David Westphal, courtesy of Cadillac The model is a four-door hatchback presenting a mid-century modern aesthetic.—
Jaclyn Trop,
Robb Report,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Practice, Practice, Practice One of the ways that the greats prepare themselves for the biggest moments is through thoughtful preparation.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
-
Tesfaye’s bold and electric presence onstage and onscreen is an intriguing counterpoint to the thoughtful and soft-spoken man who sits for a chat about his movie.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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