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 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
  1. politeness
  2. gentility
  3. civility
  4. etiquette
  5. graciousness
  6. courtesy
  7. decorum
  8. dignity
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.
    — Parents, Parents, 25 July 2026
  • Asked whether his first dates — sorry, podcast editions — should ideally end with a kiss of sorts gets Glassman to his stand-up act, where talk of dating etiquette and rules fill his comedic quiver.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 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
  • The doll exudes holiday glam in her floor-length, bold-red dress (reading as timeless and not tacky, courtesy of a sweetheart neckline, oversized bow detail, and voluminous skirt).
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • But Marchand didn't describe granting ESPN a few minutes of courtesy.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • 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
  • Well, there is one new thing, but again, decorum prevents an open discussion about a major element.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 July 2026
Definition of decorum
Noun
  • Thwaties said the hope is to get her mother's beautiful smile, dignity and quality of life back.
    — Jennifer Bisram, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Gandhi supplied the repertoire of nonviolent resistance; Ambedkar, the architect of India’s constitution and a champion of Dalit rights, supplied a politics of dignity, representation and institutional accountability.
    — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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