POLITESSE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

politesse

noun

Definition of politesse

as in politeness

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of politesse And indeed, by that time, there was little need for such politesse. — Charlie Tyson, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 Then Dave Foley smoothed over the fight with perfect Canadian politesse, saying Black’s idealism was adorable in 2025. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025 Even today, when people complain that much of the excitement of live bidding has disappeared, salesrooms at the major auction houses retain a singular atmosphere of politesse and extortion. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for politesse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for politesse

Noun

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

Definition of politeness

Noun

While actor Margo Stilley made her name in the notoriously explicit film 9 Songs, Myka Meier is a Pollyannaish etiquette coach.

— Judy Berman, Time, 8 July 2026
Typically, it’s considered poor etiquette for wedding guests to wear white/off-white or similar shades to a wedding, to make sure the attention remains on the bride.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026

Definition of etiquette

Noun

The former daytime host then reflected on the graciousness of the Oprah studio audience during a mishap while filming Houston's final interview on the talk show in September 2009.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026
Her graciousness in asking for the women in the room to stand up, and then hailing them, was another class act.

— Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 16 Mar. 2026

Definition of graciousness

Noun

And so is the explosion of island greenery at the end, courtesy of Te Fiti, who is really the earth mother.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 July 2026
All of it is courtesy of G&P Records, Local H’s in-house merch arm run by long-time friend and unofficial third member Gabe Rodriguez.

— Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 8 July 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

The laws regulating habitual drunkards were intended not to protect the general public against serious danger, but to protect civil order and decorum.

— Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 25 June 2026
But despite Clark’s wrongdoings on and off the course, the decorum of being a golf patron, especially at a major championship, is paramount.

— Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

Scripture repeatedly reminds us that the stranger, the refugee, and the vulnerable are to be treated with compassion and dignity.

— Killingly-Brooklyn Interfaith Council, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
While this new paradigm can feel like a loss of dignity for private individuals, controlling one's narrative online is essential, as the cameras are rolling regardless.

— Alli Kushner, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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