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
Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Even before she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska (2002), the 95-year-old actor had been a go-to Everygrandma, doling out enough geriatric sass to make the Golden Girls bow down yet doing so in the most polite, Midwestern way imaginable.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
The clearest firebrand of the group is Suzanne (Mia Barron), whose patronizing politeness will eventually give way to rage once her views are challenged.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Adjective
Be polite with parents, bosses and the police to avoid an unexpected encounter.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Even before she was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska (2002), the 95-year-old actor had been a go-to Everygrandma, doling out enough geriatric sass to make the Golden Girls bow down yet doing so in the most polite, Midwestern way imaginable.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
The two men verbally square off hilariously, demonstrating the unique art of using politeness as a form of aggression.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2025
The clearest firebrand of the group is Suzanne (Mia Barron), whose patronizing politeness will eventually give way to rage once her views are challenged.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
Adjective
-
The flagship offers an expansive collection of wallcoverings, rugs, furniture, and more, and aims to capture the welcoming, gracious environment the brand is known for while signaling its evolution.—
Sydney Gore,
Architectural Digest,
29 Sep. 2025
-
But these aren’t gods in oh-so-gracious robes or with armor or holding lightning bolts in their hands.—
David Lyman,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rogers police sent out a news release Thursday about Act 557 of 2025, which allows people get their money back from the kiosks if people follow the proper procedures.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Equipment is not maintained in good repair or does not allow for proper adjustment (Condensation build-up inside of reach-in cooler).—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There is no record of how William’s wife greeted the news of the instant stepson with the polished manners, who impressed even his hard-driving grandfather.—
Stacy Schiff,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
-
For some, this makes thrifting a stressful proposition, and that stress can lead to bad behavior—and bad manners.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rufus Jones, the British actor known for roles in Rivals and W1A, said the posters looked as if Bond was making an offensive gesture.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
-
His nomination was widely seen as a gesture to the left ahead of further delicate cross-party budget negotiations.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
European officials have also been warning about other hybrid threats and suspect Moscow was behind a string of incidents, including the sabotage of an undersea cable, cyberattacks, GPS jamming of civil aviation, and even acts of arson.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The behemoth Edey had a respectable rookie season but required June ankle surgery, while undersized energizer Clarke has never played more than 64 games in his six pro seasons and doesn’t seem likely to break the streak.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Bill was rapidly moving uphill in a slightly circuitous route that would bring him into the open a respectable distance from the bear.—
Marguerite Reiss,
Outdoor Life,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
His possession-by-possession attentiveness was not good.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Viewer Reactions Instagram users instantly flocked to the video, touched by Rusty's attentiveness and curiosity.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
No wonder many suspected some divine intervention courtesy of Sister Jean was on the Ramblers’ side.—
Shannon Ryan,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
-
One of those was a massive hit courtesy of an Eagles defender, and resulted in a trip to the blue medical tent for Dart.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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