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
  • The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • Ben is a real talent and will craft a beautiful and compelling documentary.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Starting the fourth with beautiful field position, the Bruins needed three plays to score.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • Brands also need to price it appropriately and deliver on the customer promise.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The series is set across Munich, Stockholm and, appropriately given the world premiere in Cannes, the French Riviera.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • This should be the proper way to handle things, whenever these idiot artists decide to rant.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Among the errors cited in the August 6 report is a failure to allow proper curing (drying) time for the caulk applied to the expansion joints that separate the basin’s concrete slabs.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Cam, Aneha, Malaine Once again, a rizzless man is empowered to choose between two attractive women.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The recent volatility in the equity markets has created some potentially attractive opportunities for investors willing to look past near-term choppiness.
    — Nick Wells, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • That you would be invited to the in-house training program in 2008 was a matter of course, after your fittingly self-confident application.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There's a fittingly witchy gift shop filled with all sorts of tchotchkes and collectibles, including spell books, tarot cards, cups for reading tea leaves, and a selection of history books.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • But many of the film’s most evocative images, often involving groups of soldiers, handsome and glistening and in varying stages of undress, remain just that — images without a strong connection to the larger storytelling.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But not before Elinor has fallen in love with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s handsome and upstanding brother, during a family visit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of handsome

Browse Nearby Words

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seemly
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Cite this Entry

“Seemly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seemly. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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