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
  • Those records show that throughout the ER trips, Henry Ford employees and ambulance workers generally found Tingley cooperative and polite.
    — Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The community nurse hadn’t even bothered to rewrite it, and the polite doctor simply stamped under her amendments.
    — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • With that, Dorinda gathers everyone (except for Chanel Ayan, who is too beautiful for the cold) out into the freezing night for the fireworks that end this celebration.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, this celestial crustacean has no star brighter than 4th magnitude and its only claims to fame are its membership in the zodiac and beautiful M44.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • The credit ecosystem will continue to recognize these human achievements, while finding ways to appropriately recognize the contributions of their AI collaborators.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Regulation and governance will be an ongoing project, so budget appropriately for that.
    — John Bruggeman, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • Months later, a report found the state hadn't complied with its own lethal injection process since its revision in 2018, resulting in executions being conducted without proper testing of the drugs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Guadagnino speaks in calligraphy; adjectives almost certainly accompany a proper name — the extraordinary, the wonderful, the genius.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • The radiant setting is especially attractive to affluent couples from across Asia as well as the US, Australia, and Europe.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • McMahon also urged schools to introduce hands-on learning much earlier, including virtual welding and electronics programs that can make technical work feel tangible and attractive to younger students.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • 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
  • The first points at the new Ryan Field went to — fittingly enough — the Wildcats when Jackson Kleather booted a 50-yarder between the uprights to cap off Northwestern's maiden drive in their new home.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 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
  • And Jeremy is the handsome cipher, the seemingly long-suffering dreamboat of a husband who may or may not be harboring more ominous intentions.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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