as in politeness
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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, 4 Dec. 2025
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
While Jones and O’Dowd balance tenderness with dark humor, Ellis masters the art of cold corporate politesse.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
When the vast majority of characters in the franchise behave respectfully, the Emperor’s lack of politesse is a breath of fresh air.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025
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
While Jones and O’Dowd balance tenderness with dark humor, Ellis masters the art of cold corporate politesse.
—Judy Berman, Time, 10 Apr. 2025
When the vast majority of characters in the franchise behave respectfully, the Emperor’s lack of politesse is a breath of fresh air.
—Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politesse
Noun
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Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.—
John Bowe,
CNBC,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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In modernizing and Americanizing the Charles Dickens novel, Alfonso Cuarón expunged many of Great Expectations’s subplots in favor of a 1998-friendly romantic drama that cemented Paltrow as an emblem of gentility.—
Matthew Jacobs,
Vulture,
25 Dec. 2025
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Ferrara’s arrival in New York City and subsequent entry into the movie business is presented as something like a case of recidivism, a dive from suburban gentility into the cauldron of steaming garbage that was Fun City–era Manhattan.—
Nick Pinkerton,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Washington and Lee’s commitment to freedom of expression undergirds its ethos of civility.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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The republic would treat other nations with civility precisely in order to remain independent of their appetites and quarrels.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nikki Sawhney is a certified etiquette consultant and the director of the New England School of Protocol in Massachusetts.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
1 Feb. 2026
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What is the etiquette for appreciating live performances these days?—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Like many who spoke out after the couple’s alleged murder, Elwes described Reiner’s warm personality and graciousness on set, something that often set him apart from other big names in the industry, as well as his willingness to take a chance on a young, relatively unknown actor.—
Elaina Patton,
IndieWire,
30 Dec. 2025
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Such a brilliant actor, a kind heart and full of graciousness with a shining independent spirit.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
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All of its radiance-granting powers are effectively put towards a scent that comes alive with glowy warmth, courtesy of the mandarin, magnolia, coconut, sandalwood, and other ingredients found within.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
30 Jan. 2026
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Set inside a 17th-century former noble residence, the building has been a hotel since 1811—a grand, if slightly dusty, fixture of the Roman hospitality circuit—before having the cobwebs blown off courtesy of a four-year renovation overseen by the French-Mexican architect and designer Hugo Toro.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Live tennis and live golf offer details that can’t be captured on television, but there are rules of decorum and big potential for monotony.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
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Hugh Laurie stars as Ryan Clark, captain of a giant space cruise ship full of snobby, rich tourists, though when the ship's course is changed from a few weeks to more than three years, the classy decorum begins to break down.—
Ilana Gordon,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Protecting human dignity and human lives is.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
30 Jan. 2026
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The rejection of bedrock Christian values such as dignity, mercy, and compassion did not start with the crisis in Minnesota.—
Hillary Rodham Clinton,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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