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
  • The confusion is that Italian etiquette is not the same as Italian-American etiquette, where the continuing use of the spoon is not uncommon.
    — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Whitmore said tipping etiquette also depends on the type of service being provided.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of etiquette
Noun
  • There’s a graciousness that runs through these evenings spent with their friends at dinners and happy hours before meals out, with each moment spent together as much a cause for celebration as the event itself.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026
  • From being able to host an impeccable event at a moment’s notice to showing graciousness in every circumstance to having an impressively clean and organized home, manners and poise come to mind.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of graciousness
Noun
  • Photo courtesy of Atlanta Police Department Police said Brown had gained the mother's trust over about a year.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Photo courtesy of The Artist Tree California dispensary chain The Artist Tree is expanding its Compassion Program to its Dixon location, where qualified medical cannabis patients can receive free products to help offset the cost of their care.
    — A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • The meta story of Life of M’s creation — how Cusk ignored decorum in favor of artistic absolutism — is perhaps the most intriguing element of this saga.
    — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Gregory drew her as mean, menacing, and thoroughly indifferent to male-centric standards of beauty and decorum.
    — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorum
Noun
  • The challenge is to preserve human dignity while recovering our capacity for heroic ambition.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There’s something profoundly moving about helping others exit this world surrounded by love and with dignity.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of dignity

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Cite this Entry

“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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