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
  • People were polite, kind and just anxious to do their duty and go about their day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • My aunt and the woman were exchanging polite remarks, but there was a cold, unpleasant air between them.
    — Yasushi Inoue, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • After Pittsburgh failed to score during nearly 4½ straight minutes of power-play time early in the second, Gauthier beat Silovs with a beautiful no-look shot for his first goal.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Mayor Matt Mahan told the crowd that the flower is the perfect symbol for a city with a beautiful past and a bright future.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Per People, Madonna—perhaps appropriately—chose to go as the Weeping Madonna statue, and Morris was dressed as a nun.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • The administration said the work could begin as soon as the approval and the Interior Department issued a final decision authorizing construction and the proper notification was published by the National Park Service.
    — MATTHEW DALY, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Without proper circulation, harmful fungi have an optimal environment for invading your lawn.
    — David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, the American alternatives are not particularly attractive.
    — Tal Feldman, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2026
  • His administration had promoted Paraguay as an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment, emphasizing fiscal stability and economic modernization.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Future looked fittingly sharp at the 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards, pairing a Louis Vuitton ensemble with a Patek Philippe Nautilus.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The anodyne-sounding replacement show is fittingly about that which seems plain or banal.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • And if at times the movie comes off as a bit decorous and stiff, the actors, particularly Edgar-Jones and Creed-Miles, do their best to keep the proceedings whirring.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • Its handsome Pannier Market is bursting with antiques and curiosities, ideal for a spot of treasure hunting.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Went on a date with a guy who was absolutely the tall, dark, and handsome type.
    — Sean Joseph, FOXNews.com, 12 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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