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
  • In Berkeley, where California clay culture yanked ceramics out of the category of polite craft and into something huge, physical, ugly, and beautiful, Heilmann learned to weld.
    — Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Bukele’s manner is polite but imperious, slow to bestow approval.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • There are a lot of on-the-road songs about travels through this strange, heartbreaking, and beautiful planet.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The skyline floated like an uncanny but beautiful projection off to our side.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • Every decision is made with careful consideration and appropriately reviewed to ensure that any technology ICE utilizes is consistent with all applicable law enforcement policies and standards.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Thatch is a natural, organic layer that’s beneficial if appropriately maintained.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • Those of us who despise Trumpism too rarely asked ourselves whether Trump’s efforts to conceal an apparently consensual relationship with Stormy Daniels were the proper grounds for prosecution.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a proper kitchen built for actual cooking, and city views round it out as a solid base for spending some serious time in.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Using Stainless Polish On Your Fridge On the one hand, using stainless polish to clean a stainless steel fridge leaves a bright, attractive, reflective finish—but there’s a downside.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Shaped like a giant leaf, this attractive play mat comes with six hanging plush toys that can be detached when your baby is ready for tummy time games.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • Perhaps fittingly for such a demonized woman, Zosia is giving up her secrets grudgingly.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Shortly thereafter, once Bunker came his way, the opportunity to depict a man who’s drastically turning his life around became a fittingly cathartic parallel to Pelphrey’s own recovery journey.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 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
  • Flynn delivers a knockout twist midway through this thriller about a picture-perfect young woman who has presumably been killed by her handsome husband.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Both variants are available in handsome Pearl and Onyx finishes – but the Kickstarter exclusive Ember (a vibrant reddish orange) variant with 12GB RAM looks especially hot.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of seemly for Spanish Speakers

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