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

She’s used to chief stews who yell and is thrown off by Aesha’s politeness.

— Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of politeness

Noun

This is truly a war against science and civility by cruel people in a ridiculous revenge frenzy.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Aug. 2026
Bipartisan support is needed to enact legislation, and civility is required to negotiate common ground.

— Terry W. Hartle, Christian Science Monitor, 29 July 2026

Definition of civility

Noun

Most of the players immediately adopt exaggerated foppish courtier characters, complete with hoity-toity accents and hyperbolic graciousness.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of graciousness

Noun

The cobra seems angry and writhes and attacks, and the handler holds the snake at bay, looking like a man who has made poor lifestyle choices and therefore deserves whatever is coming courtesy of his snake pal.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
Twenty-four-hour room service comes courtesy of La Rotisserie, the hotel’s excellent nouveau-Polish restaurant, and the basement fitness center includes a small swimming pool.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

O’Hare booted members of the public from the room for the meeting for disrupting decorum, instead inviting speakers to address the commissioners one-by-one.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026
On the other hand, permanent residents in Nantucket framed the issue as one of class — meaning both privilege and decorum.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 July 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

In criticism, everything counts, including the obvious, and Nolan’s film positively invites the comparison, dressing itself—in spite of its deference to current mass-market sensibilities—in the dignity of a classic.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Aug. 2026
Brazzale says patients who are declining may worry about soiling themselves, losing their dignity, or being moved out of their home at the end.

— Angela Haupt, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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