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
  • Trump stressed that his diplomatic efforts were good for Israel regarding the Middle East, highlighting the broader benefits of his relationships with Middle Eastern countries.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • Trump lifts sanctions on Syria U.S. President Donald Trump is in Saudi Arabia for the first diplomatic trip of his second term.
    Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In each case, Simon stresses that best-available player not only is the safest approach but also the most prudent.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This case involves the Hatchet Girls, a cult that follows a bloodthirsty leader intent on giving polite society hell.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
  • What is a polite way to refuse a hug with friends or strangers?
    Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second quality is psychological: his tactical reading of the game.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Relying on a single revenue stream, funding partner or tactical approach is increasingly risky.
    Kirsten Wegner, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • But officially, the Sox are playing it cool and trying to be respectful.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • The Chucky alum added that there were challenges in balancing pop culture commentary while still being respectful of other's feelings.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The one that was pretty impactful for me at Cannes, at least life trajectory wise, probably more impactful than all of those other films, came in 2012.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025
  • Many studies consider the incremental dollars spent on Medicaid by blue states to be a wise investment.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 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
  • There is no obvious spot for two more games on the opening weekend that would provide a desirable, exclusive TV window.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Dear Liz: My husband and I built a home on a hillside over 30 years ago in a desirable neighborhood with a beautiful view.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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