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

The dynamic between the parents and the perpetrators steadily escalates from politeness to hostility to eventual torture, all while maintaining a frustrating attitude of inevitability and justification toward the former’s fate.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026
She’s used to chief stews who yell and is thrown off by Aesha’s politeness.

— Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of politeness

Noun

Despite the challenges, many candidates are impelled by the desire to steer political discourse toward civility and issues that matter most to ordinary citizens.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026
But most of us have been around long enough to miss things such as bipartisanship among lawmakers and general civility.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of civility

Noun

White after Labor Day is less fashion edict than old etiquette at this point.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
While the behavior was distracting, Osaka hopes that bringing tennis to a new audience overall will benefit the sport, as long as new fans learn the rules and etiquette of spectating.

— Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 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

Goal number 12 in the Champions League arrived courtesy of a free kick against Feyenoord as Barcelona ran out comfortable winners.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
But the Dodgers pulled ahead again two innings later, courtesy of the red-hot bat Teoscar Hernández has been swinging in September.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

There are no income requirements and no conditions on how the cash is spent; the program is designed on dignity and trust.

— Mona Hanna, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
That same year, Murad was named the United Nations’ first goodwill ambassador for the dignity of survivors of human trafficking.

— Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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