as in politeness
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Recent Examples of politesse
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
In 1948, Vogue published its 658-page Book of Etiquette, compiled by editor Millicent Fenwick, featuring how-tos, dos and don’ts, and the proper politesse for a remarkably varied set of scenarios.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2025
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
While Jones and O’Dowd balance tenderness with dark humor, Ellis masters the art of cold corporate politesse.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
When the vast majority of characters in the franchise behave respectfully, the Emperor’s lack of politesse is a breath of fresh air.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Decades of French lessons schooled me in the strict rules of politesse.
—Theresa Conroy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2024
Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
In 1948, Vogue published its 658-page Book of Etiquette, compiled by editor Millicent Fenwick, featuring how-tos, dos and don’ts, and the proper politesse for a remarkably varied set of scenarios.
—Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2025
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
While Jones and O’Dowd balance tenderness with dark humor, Ellis masters the art of cold corporate politesse.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
When the vast majority of characters in the franchise behave respectfully, the Emperor’s lack of politesse is a breath of fresh air.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Decades of French lessons schooled me in the strict rules of politesse.
—Theresa Conroy, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politesse
Noun
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The poster themselves shared their belief in the power of politeness.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
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While the wife’s new friendship may have started innocently, the man felt compelled to put his family’s comfort above politeness.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But this was close to the borderline of gentility.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
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Modesty, gentility, and protocol have no place in the apartment grope.—
Nicholas Pileggi,
Curbed,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Cox is a long-time champion of civility and an opponent of political polarization, USA TODAY reported.—
Carlie Procell,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Numerous politicians and public figures across party lines are now making urgent appeals for civility and respectful discourse.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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While that's ok to do, there are some unspoken etiquette rules to follow.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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Here are the rules of tailgate etiquette that every Southern fan should follow this football season.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Your graciousness and kindness is appreciated by our entire restaurant team.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The tradition muted palette gets a graphic update courtesy of pops of color informed by school pennants, an LV monogram tartan, as well as on theme embroideries and crests that extend to small accessories in the form of what are sure to be covetable caps, scarves, and ties.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
12 Sep. 2025
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Green Bay would find the end zone once more in the first half, courtesy of another 90-plus-yard drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Teddy was doing his own research on this, and Emory Cohen, who plays young Lester, dove deep and talked to a lot of doormen, trying to find out the history and the details and the specifics of decorum.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
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Tennis took off in this country in the late 70s with the emergence of attitude, which replaced, or at least challenged, the old decorum.—
Thomas Swick
September 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Forged by a history of exile and persecution, Jewish Americans have consistently championed dignity and equality.—
Andrew Weinstein,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
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There is nothing but dignity, and hardworking people unjustly being attacked.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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