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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of polite
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
The bride was smiling but doing that polite, frozen smile.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
But without Bertha’s savvy understanding of polite society, George wouldn’t be able to court critical clients outside the office, sustain essential relationships, or properly position his family for upward mobility.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025
Most of the time, generative AI has been tuned to be relatively polite and offers mild praise, though a user can easily up the ante by simply telling the AI to pour it on.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Adjective
But that just adds more rudeness to the world, so best to take the high road and keep things polite.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
The bride was smiling but doing that polite, frozen smile.
—Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 12 Aug. 2025
But without Bertha’s savvy understanding of polite society, George wouldn’t be able to court critical clients outside the office, sustain essential relationships, or properly position his family for upward mobility.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025
Most of the time, generative AI has been tuned to be relatively polite and offers mild praise, though a user can easily up the ante by simply telling the AI to pour it on.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
Adjective
-
In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
-
While people are generally gracious about missteps, recent surges in tourist numbers are starting to strain that vaunted hospitality.—
Jessica Kozuka,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The suit claims the school failed to provide proper protective equipment and training to Wei.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
To get the cast and crew in the proper headspace for filming the crime thriller, Caron hosted a Portland-area screening of John Cassavetes’ Gloria (1980).—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Aug. 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
-
The action is Seoul’s latest diplomatic gesture to its long-time rival neighbor.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
-
In short, the executive order is essentially a political gesture.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The documentation to defend against civil claims for damages following IT failures is of similar relevance.—
Dennis-Kenji Kipker,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Republicans have threatened missing Democrats with civil arrest.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The former third-round pick registered 77 tackles, an interception and six passes defended last season, posting a respectable 64.8 overall grade at Pro Football Focus.—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Knapp rummages in her kitchen, eventually holding up a perfectly respectable little potato.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Alba’s look came courtesy of the eponymous designer’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which debuted as part of Paris Fashion Week in June.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
11 Aug. 2025
-
In exchange, the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 offers quasi-tablet functionality courtesy of a screen that rotates 360 degrees.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These aren’t edge cases but increasingly common scenarios requiring thoughtful, human-centric design.—
Anuradha Gupta,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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An artistic 14-year-old boy known for his thoughtful nature drowned just weeks before starting high school, Michigan officials say.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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