politesse

noun

Definition of politessenext
as in politeness

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Example Sentences

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 Not to mention the politesse of the ball requires these small exchanges. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 And indeed, by that time, there was little need for such politesse. — Charlie Tyson, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 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
  1. politeness
  2. gentility
  3. civility
  4. etiquette
  5. graciousness
  6. courtesy
  7. decorum
  8. dignity
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
  • At Montage Big Sky, a 139-room wood-and-stone main structure dispenses with antler chandeliers and wagon wheels in favor of easygoing American gentility.
    — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
  • Before the yuppie era, a certain staid gentility prevailed.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Definition of gentility
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
  • Not just a student problem Lapses in email etiquette are not limited to exchanges between faculty and students.
    — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Industry leaders advocate for broad consumer choice, emphasizing public etiquette and regulated consumption sites.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of etiquette
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 latter come courtesy of Gravy, a puppet Dirnt used back in the day to entertain his pals on the road that inspired a cinematic counterpart.
    — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Wednesday’s game pits French champions and Champions League winners PSG against Premier League side Villa, who lifted the Europa League courtesy of a 3-0 win over Freiburg.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • In addition to ticketing when necessary, Cotcher said the Park District leads discussions in problem areas and tries to reiterate park rules and decorum with parents, children and others using trails.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Tiffany Burks, Burnam’s defense attorney, said O’Hare abused the rules of decorum to silence public commenters’ First Amendment rights.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorum
Noun
  • This community deserves dignity regardless of its population size.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • There are countless casualties in House of the Dragon but few more keenly felt than Helaena, Westeros’s sweetheart, whom Phia Saban played with a quiet and often funny dignity over the years.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of dignity

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politeness
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Cite this Entry

“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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