as in politeness
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Recent Examples of politesse
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
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, 18 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
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
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, 18 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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Altman wasn't joking about the price of politeness.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
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For much of its running time, Speak No Evil is a pitch-black comedy of manners, with Bjørn and Louise pushed to the limits of their politeness by Patrick and Karin’s increasingly erratic behavior.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
16 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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But this was close to the borderline of gentility.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Republicans defended Kirk, condemning the political violence that led to his death and calling for civility.—
Molly Beck,
jsonline.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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To Washington, a beard made a man look unkempt and slovenly, masking the higher emotions that civility required.—
Maurizio Valsania,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Harmlessly wandering about the village, belly and breasts exposed—at times completely naked—Pagli discomforts established codes of etiquette.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
30 Oct. 2025
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Ahead of her concerts in New York City, Sabrina Carpenter is encouraging subway riders to please, please, please practice good etiquette on the trains.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
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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
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Your graciousness and kindness is appreciated by our entire restaurant team.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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At the end of the following season, they were relegated on the final day courtesy of defeat at Arsenal, where Wright was among the scorers.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Other photos in the bunch included a mirror selfie with his hair pushed back courtesy of a headband, his Cloud23 hot sauce on store shelves, Animal-style fries from In-N-Out Burger (plus plenty of ketchup) and more of life’s special little moments.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Others just get giddy having a green light to upend society’s rules of decorum, even for a short window of time.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
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Rules of decorum The Enquirer and both candidates have set the debate rules with a strong emphasis on mutual respect for the candidates and moderator, and the opportunity for all attendees to be unhindered in their ability to listen and hear the candidates’ responses.—
Staff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Working with groups like Habitat for Humanity and increasing grant access to rental vouchers, down payment assistance, and financial counseling will build housing stability and help everyone to live with dignity.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Oct. 2025
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There’s a moving moment of magnanimity, which won’t be given away here, that proves the underlying dignity of a people broken by an authoritarian state.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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