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 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

Noun

There’s a certain kind of gentility and politeness, and then on the flip side, dark humor and grotesquerie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Is the nation’s vaunted politeness actually just passive-aggressiveness?

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of politeness

Noun

Neil Fuentes, a founder of the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts and the artistic director of Broadway on Main, brings an uncommon gentility and hearty spirit to the character of Murray the Cop.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
There’s a certain kind of gentility and politeness, and then on the flip side, dark humor and grotesquerie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gentility

Noun

The flames of perdition, fueled by guilt, estrangement, and repression, lap at society’s sham institutions and flimsy fronts of civility.

— Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Of Pence, who served as vice president of the United States from 2017 to 2021 and as governor of Indiana from 2013 to 2017, Sonnenfeld said Pence has displayed civility, dignity and decency throughout a lifetime of public service.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of civility

Noun

Workers are divided over whether the drink is harmless or a breach of professional etiquette—and recruiters are split, too.

— Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
In an era when everyone totes water bottles from the gym, to breakfast meetings, to the office, and then to dinner, the lines of personal beverage etiquette have blurred.

— Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of etiquette

Noun

The service Staff are relaxed and friendly, and maintain a casual environment without skimping on graciousness.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of graciousness

Noun

On Instagram, Anderson shared a behind-the-scenes look at her beauty prep, courtesy of her vegan skin care line, Sonsie.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
Later, Ceretti returned to close the night in custom Prada, courtesy of Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons.

— Alice Abbiadati, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

In a statement, the Libertarian Party of Tarrant County voiced its support of the plaintiffs and called the decorum policy a step in the direction of censorship.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
Judges thanked the audience for maintaining a respectful decorum for an intense and sensitive case.

— Jen Guadarrama, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of decorum

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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