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 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 Even the ever-politic Hough couldn't come to the animal rescue for the second week. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2020 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • The president has set his sights on including Saudi Arabia in the Abraham Accords, which was his first-term signature series of bilateral diplomatic accords.
    Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 2 May 2025
  • Nearly a decade after diplomatic tensions cut Korean singers and actors’ opportunities to reach China’s 1.4 billion population, the concert from this rising boy band signals a brighter future for the K-pop industry.
    Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Aston Villa accounting period covered 13 months, not one year. Source: Club financial statements All of which begs the question: are Levy and Spurs being excessively prudent?
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
  • As a result, many universities, including those in states with a 7% cap on prudent spending, will likely be able to increase their use of endowment funds to maintain their budgets at prior levels.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Under the guise of polite party banter, the two trade barbs, each speaking on behalf of their respective cause.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 2025
  • To many observers, Modi’s success stemmed from his willingness to play on profound resentments, which for decades had been considered offensive to voice in polite society.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Crown’s offensive diversity — featuring 10 different goal scorers this season — proved ineffective against New England’s tactical discipline.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Videos and images shared on social media by the DEA showed officers and agents in tactical gear swarming outside the building.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The fans have been quite respectful about not giving out spoilers.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 1 May 2025
  • Western Medicine Has a Different Perspective While respectful of other cultures’ traditions and belief systems, many practitioners of conventional Western medicine do not see any special benefit from navel oiling.
    Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Guidance and tariffs Dover made a few wise adjustments to its full-year outlook.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Deferring college acceptance—postponing enrollment typically for one year—can be a thoughtful strategy when life circumstances, personal goals or practical considerations suggest that waiting might be the wiser path.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 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
  • Sometimes, the larvae would chew these body parts into more desirable sizes.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • No major surgery required, but one new face is desirable.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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