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
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 her first interview as a filmmaker, Renée Zellweger is as gracious as ever.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
17 Aug. 2025
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And Phil and Chris were incredibly gracious throughout that process.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Blackwood recently went to a hardware store where an employee had become known for her ability to mix a proper Carolina blue, and bought new paint.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
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The suit claims the school failed to provide proper protective equipment and training to Wei.—
John Wisely,
Freep.com,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
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Minding your manners will make the trip better for everyone.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Culture shifts slowly, but steady gestures build momentum.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Its value isn’t in delivering more data, but in offering a meaningful signal—tracking gestures, shared rhythms, and interaction patterns to reflect the effort behind emotional presence.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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However, sunset is at 7:24 p.m., and at the moment of conjunction, the sky will still be relatively light (civil twilight does not end until 7:49 p.m.).—
Jesse Emspak,
Space.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The Federal Trade Commission will continue to be prohibited from enforcing a civil investigative demand on the progressive watchdog group Media Matters for America, after a federal judge rejected the government’s effort to put her prior ruling on hold.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Both Dunn and Chung emphasize the importance of applying the same standards and courtesy to every candidate.—
Liz Kislik,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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Analysis: The Dolphins possess a more physical starting offensive line courtesy of the power the left side possesses, but this unit has the worst depth on the roster, and that’s problematic.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But there’s also a lot of thoughtful, poignant material about traditions, grief, childhood trauma, and the ways that family can be both the best and worst part of your life.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
22 Aug. 2025
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Being transparent, candid and frank about challenges while also putting them in context in a thoughtful way will have more impact than trying to massage the answer, which can create uncertainty or disbelief.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 30 Aug. 2025.
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