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

Similarly, after the traumas of the Civil War and Reconstruction, some Southern writers emphasized aberrant behavior to undercut the aristocratic whitewash of gentility and custom.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of gentility

Noun

In their concession speeches, several losing GOP candidates took the time to express a measure of decency and civility about their defeat.

— the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2026
The group, which has the oldest average age, places a high value on civility in politics, are conservative on economic issues and more moderate on race and immigration.

— Frank Langfitt, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of civility

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

The setting, conveniently located to visit countless attractions on foot, also offers a taste of the passing seasons with a glance out of the windows—courtesy of the scenic Shirakawa River flowing straight past the hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Photo courtesy of Elsberry Riding and Farm HeeHaw's owner, Hannah Michelle Israel, has said the donkey was gentle and had never behaved aggressively.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

The blunderbuss of violations of the basic decorum and dignity of democracy have become such a daily matter that the increasingly familiar response is to sigh and surrender.

— Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
However, her choice of a plainer variety for Monday’s festivities fit with the occasion’s decorum.

— Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

Unwilling to compromise her dignity, Navier acquiesces to the emperor’s request on one condition — that she be allowed to remarry rival Crown Prince Heinrey (Lee Jongsuk) of the Western Kingdom.

— Jennifer Maas, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
You will be listened to, supported and treated with dignity and respect.

— Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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