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
  • Genuine smiles and laughter Don't read too much into an initial polite smile.
    — Jeff Haden, CNBC, 9 July 2026
  • Poor Frank and Kirsten look on confused, determinedly polite in their insistence that all family members should be welcome.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • Their French 75, which is made with cognac, lemon and muscadet, is a perfect example thanks to a beautiful balance of elegance and ingenuity.
    — Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • At the rear of the second floor is the primary suite, which has a large walk-in closet and another beautiful bathroom featuring a six-foot soaking tub with a custom glass surround.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • One key to success has been to finally acknowledge the scale of the problem and adapt appropriately.
    — Mehmet Oz, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026
  • The atmosphere has to work extra hard to distribute all this extra heat appropriately.
    — Sean Macaday July 13, Sacbee.com, 13 July 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • The under-21s returned for pre-season last Monday, initially for testing before their first proper day of training on Thursday.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • This is just what Harley had built – an out-of-the-box pro-drag bike complete with slicks, wheelie bars, a hissing air-shifter and a proper multi-stage clutch set-up specifically for the drag strip.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Winning with defense may not be attractive, but it’s certainly been effective.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Detmers and Soriano are the most attractive, but outfielder Jo Adell and relievers Sam Bachman, Chase Silseth and Ryan Zeferjahn could also generate some interest.
    — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 15 July 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • Tah missed Germany’s first sudden-death effort before player of the match Jose Canale fittingly sent Paraguay through, inflicting Germany’s first penalty shootout defeat at a World Cup.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • The final destination on our whistlestop tour is, fittingly, Smithson’s 1970 work Spiral Jetty, on the northeastern shore of the Great Salt Lake.
    — Lara Johnson-Wheeler, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • The press coverage in Austria and Germany had been relatively decorous.
    — William Finnegan, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
  • This is a lovely, if rather decorous and reverent, tale of an illicit affair that’s unlikely to cause as much noise as Dhont’s last two films.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • Stitched brown leather makes for a handsome addition to any home bar cart, especially when they’re housed in a Georg Jensen stainless steel case.
    — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
  • His Hammness does show up, tongue planted firmly in his photogenic cheek, and reminds you that nobody does handsome-guy self-mockery better than Jon Hamm.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of seemly for Spanish Speakers

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