as in politeness
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
In 1948, Vogue published its 658-page Book of Etiquette, compiled by editor Millicent Fenwick, featuring how-tos, dos and don’ts, and the proper politesse for a remarkably varied set of scenarios.
—
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 May 2026
The panel’s mid-century politesse is soothing, and the celebrity guests (Alfred Hitchcock!
—Dan Zak, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
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
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
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 8 May 2026
The panel’s mid-century politesse is soothing, and the celebrity guests (Alfred Hitchcock!
—Dan Zak, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026
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
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
Behind the political politesse is the challenge of urban mayors to advocate for immediate needs, while also playing the longer game of seeking structural changes in how Connecticut meets its constitutional responsibility of equitably funding public education.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025
Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politesse
Noun
-
For the most part, CTA personnel act with grace and politeness, although the sour drivers can influence the riders’ experiences as well.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But his natural gentility is tough to dress down.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2026
-
But the glory and gentility that had been the Pontchartrain was gone.—
Rick Bragg,
Southern Living,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In her vast experience monitoring civility, Miss Manners has observed that high standards, although perhaps rare everywhere, are just as likely, or perhaps even more likely, to be found among the lower as among the upper brackets.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
In 2016, voters were asked to choose between a populist candidate dogged by questions about his integrity, judgment, decency, civility, empathy, and respect for everyone from complete strangers to his own wife, and an overqualified, glass-ceiling-smashing woman.—
Shannon A. Mullen,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Good ex-etiquette means considering how your decisions impact your co-parenting structure, not just your romantic relationship.—
Jann Blackstone,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
-
Beyond the discussion about airline etiquette, Rudd also shared one of his favorite memories with wife Julie Yaeger during the podcast.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Today’s China may have lost a lot of the graciousness once bestowed on foreigners, or at least Americans, generally speaking, but one country that has been consistently convivial over several decades for this guy is Japan.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Born in New York to Nigerian parents, Folarin Balogun speaks with a British accent, courtesy of a childhood largely forged in England.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
There’s just this courtesy, and people are just very aware.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Most presidents have tried to maintain decorum at their residence, knowing the White House is a symbol of the United States and that its gravitas is the work of generations.—
Conor Friedersdorf,
The Atlantic,
6 June 2026
-
The food remains rigorously composed but more attuned to our moment, and the servers, a number of whom have worked for Daniel Boulud for decades, prize warmth as much as decorum.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The woman, identified as Bousso Diouf, asked for respect and dignity for all migrants.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
Victoria’s Secret said it’s committed to safe, respectful working conditions across its global supply chain, with women’s safety, dignity, and economic empowerment at the core.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
