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

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
Feeling emotionally invested in a character’s decisions can also influence how young readers decide how to engage with others and treat people with civility and kindness in real life.

— Michelle Kearney, The Conversation, 7 July 2026

Definition of civility

Noun

But what should have been a pretty mundane meal spiraled into a heated viral debate about in-flight food etiquette when fellow passengers started to complain about the smell.

— Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Of course, Genevieve Dreizen, a modern-day etiquette and boundaries expert and COO and co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, says when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is just to bring the child who is invited.

— Melissa Willets, Parents, 12 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

Aside from the clutch, Nyong’o accessorized her New York City premiere attire with gold metallic heels by Aldo and jewelry pieces courtesy of Sabyasachi, further accentuating the gold color scheme of her attire.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 15 July 2026
One of the most poignant illustrations of shifting baseline syndrome comes courtesy of researcher Loren McClenachan.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Like Boosie, Fox is a Southern rambler out of West Memphis, Arkansas (just like his streaming juggernaut twin brother, YTB Fatt) without a filter or a sense of decorum.

— Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Don’t let things like rules and decorum get in the way of what’s in it for him.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

When serious illness interrupts that, there should be more space for care, dignity and support.

— News Desk, Artforum, 16 July 2026
Efira stars as Marie-Lou, the director of an elderly care facility who is fighting to institute a philosophy of care built on listening and respect for her residents’ dignity, over the resistance of her own staff.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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