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

In a postseason press rollout that opened with an immediate pledge for civility, Kenzie’s comfort and ease with her own conduct comes as welcome relief.

— Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 15 July 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 civility

Noun

That covers a Tokyo cleanup campaign, a program that teaches proper trash etiquette, and neighborhood beautification work done with local communities.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
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

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

His final game was the World Cup last-16 fixture between Spain and Portugal at this summer’s tournament, which eventual champions Spain won 1-0 courtesy of a stoppage-time Mikel Merino winner.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
More on the Platform titles below, with language courtesy of the festival.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

But he's had plenty of incidents that others would call performative, or breaching proper conduct, or losing decorum.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026
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

Definition of decorum

Noun

The Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs on June 13, crowning a spectacular comeback season and ending a two generation-spanning dignity drought for New York City.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 23 July 2026
Moreno tries to preserve a measure of dignity while wearing a jumpsuit from Elvis’ Las Vegas era.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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