seemly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce seemly (audio)
Definition of seemlynext
1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seemly

2 of 2

adverb

as in appropriately

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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 seemly
Adverb
Another picture, taken outside, seemly showed the next step in the construction process. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seemly
  1. polite
  2. beautiful
  3. appropriately
  4. proper
  5. attractive
  6. fittingly
  7. decorous
  8. handsome
Adjective
  • Don’t go looking for hushed tones, decorous silence or the other traditions of a sport whose roots exist on the hallowed lawns of polite society.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Perfection isn’t the goal, and being polite doesn’t mean being perfect.
    — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The nicest of the quartet, Springfield features a large clubhouse, a beautiful practice area with an oversized putting green and a challenging 6,906-yard course that is hilly, woody and will ask you to hit lots of precise shots.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Forests that avoid the worst fire and drought impacts should still offer beautiful color, but the viewing window may be shorter.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • The premiere, appropriately, had more the feel of an Oasis stadium concert than a sombre festival premiere.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Most recently, concerns have grown that Engelbert failed to respond appropriately to political protests over transgender women playing sports, which began to overshadow the league's season in recent weeks.
    — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • But the jet rose above the normal path aircraft take on their approach to Runway 30 before dropping altitude to return back into proper position, tracking data from Flightradar24 showed.
    — Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The 6,970-yard course is challenging but fair and open enough for all handicaps, from the proper tees, to have a good time.
    — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • But rising bond yields make safer government debt more attractive relative to stocks, while also reducing the present value investors assign to companies’ future earnings.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Those figures could make efficiency retrofits attractive as marine fuel costs and emissions requirements rise.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • Garrett, the best defensive player of the post-Aaron Donald era, fittingly goaded the legend out of retirement.
    — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The bombastically—but fittingly—named Devil’s Throat is the standout waterfall here.
    — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • What used to be called UFOs and now go by the more decorous handle of UAPs—or unidentified anomalous phenomena—are being given the full investigatory treatment.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The press coverage in Austria and Germany had been relatively decorous.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • The tower stands, a handsome ruin and a relic of a more optimistic age.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026
  • On the eve of her 30th birthday, a rare night out leads her to Boyd Davenport (Noah Fearnley), handsome, heir to a billionaire family fortune and Nashville’s most eligible bachelor.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of handsome

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Cite this Entry

“Seemly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seemly. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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