Synonyms of politic

politic

adjective

ˈpä-lə-ˌtik 

1

as in diplomatic

having or showing tact

the actor is politic in discussing the aborted film project, being content to say that there were "creative differences"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• diplomatic
• polite
• respectful
• tactful
• thoughtful
• civil
• gracious
• graceful
• kind
• courteous
• considerate
• charming
• gallant
• genteel
• deferential
• friendly
• hospitable
• dutiful
• delicate
• cordial
• mannerly
• regardful
• suave
• genial
• affable
• kindhearted

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• impolitic
• tactless
• gauche
• thoughtless
• undiplomatic
• indelicate
• ungracious
• discourteous
• inconsiderate
• uncivil
• untactful
• impolite
• uncouth
• unmannerly
• uncalled-for
• clownish
• boorish
• churlish
• insolent
• brassy
• disrespectful
• brash
• rude
• impudent
• loutish
• unhandsome
• impertinent
• unmannered
• ill-mannered
• ill-bred
• caddish
• disregardful
• clodhopping

2

as in prudent

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances

it probably would not be politic to tell your boss that his latest idea is the worst thing you've ever heard

Synonyms & Similar Words

• prudent
• tactical
• wise
• desirable
• expedient
• possible
• judicious
• advisable
• practical
• beneficial
• profitable
• advantageous
• useful
• utilitarian
• practicable
• feasible
• opportune
• opportunistic
• timely
• seasonable
• self-seeking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unwise
• imprudent
• inadvisable
• inexpedient
• injudicious
• unprofitable
• impractical
• impolitic
• untimely
• unfeasible
• profitless
• inopportune
• unseasonable

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

Recent Examples of politic

Austin, the retired general with the little flag pin on his suit lapel, was the more politic witness. —Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2021

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