Synonym Chooser

How is the word politic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland, diplomatic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When could bland be used to replace politic?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than politic?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might smooth be a better fit than politic?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of politic?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use urbane instead of politic?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 politic Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 For his part, Márki-Zay didn’t give the most politic concession speech. John Fund, National Review, 5 Apr. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 Meanwhile, as the early promise of a coronavirus-free summer has given way to new mask mandates and other restrictions, public hostility toward vaccine holdouts has spurred accusations of politic grandstanding, ignorance and selfishness. Anchorage Daily News, 31 July 2021 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • The war has continued unabated even as a U.S.-led diplomatic push for a settlement has brought two rounds of direct peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
  • The decision landed against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between the United States and Mexico.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, consumers are at a loss to know which mental health apps are prudent and useful and which ones are problematic and ought to be avoided.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Creating a more even playing time split could be prudent, but the club must be mindful of Caratini’s health as a 31-year-old who has only twice caught more than 500 innings in a season.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Showing empathy and being polite, even in frustrating situations, can help de-escalate potential conflicts.
    Milad Haghani, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • Dishes are refined but never polite, taking all the risks Cornerstone didn’t have the backing to take.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Guardiola's squad still boasts depth, but the tactical shift post-De Bruyne will be closely watched.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
  • For those looking to create lasting impressions with friends or family, printing a photo on a tactical object, such as a canvas print or metal print, helps the gift last a lifetime.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • The call started as expected – respectful and professional on both sides.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • His cultural instinct to retreat into respectful silence was misread by headquarters as weakness, nearly derailing his career trajectory.
    Katrina Burrus, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Over the last two seasons, Alexander has missed 20 games due to injury, and adding him into a cornerback room that is already reeling from health issues would not be the wisest decision.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 June 2025
  • Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Competence: Intelligent, dependable, wise, principled, conscientious • Sophistication: Elegant, composed, worldly, confident, tactful • Ruggedness: Tough, athletic, sturdy, outdoorsy, reliable Most businesses focus on a couple of these.
    Sabine Leveiller, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • There are tactful ways to address these dilemmas without creating unnecessary drama.
    Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Edgewood’s parlors, its ample lawn, and a fine carriage house with original stables that is under renovation are desirable venues for weddings and corporate retreats.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • In early May, the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, rolled out a plan to respond to Trump by slapping tariffs on more than $100 billion worth of U.S. goods if the negotiations with Washington do not yield a desirable outcome.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 23 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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