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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
  • Is there a kind and polite way to tell this gentleman to stop telling me jokes?
    — Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In the end, voters are choosing people for important jobs that don’t come with polite moderators and audience applause cues.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • Belugas are beautiful, mystical creatures; anyone proximate to them would feel their loss acutely.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Set the scene Beyond the majestic main building, which sits on one of the endless curves of the Amalfi road, there are two new villas in addition to an older one, the beautiful Romeo e Giulietta.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • The highlights of white lights, balloons, and shirts stand out while black suits look appropriately dark and retain the fine contours of their cuts and textures.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
  • An assistive robot would need to distinguish among these actions to respond appropriately.
    — Bo Wang, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • These dangerous illnesses are all completely preventable and serve as a reminder of the importance of proper vaccines to protect the health of our families and children.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The spa setup includes a proper sauna, a genuinely cold cold plunge, hot tubs, and a quiet outdoor lounge overlooking the dunes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • But the administration has left itself few if any attractive alternatives.
    — RICHARD HAASS, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Should the person report directly to OpenAI president and co-founder Greg Brockman, who is reportedly hiring for the role instead of Altman, which would be most attractive for a big name like Hazelbaker?
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • So, perhaps fittingly, Spring/Break, New York’s most irreverent art fair, has taken residence.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In Comfort, for example, digital displays take a backseat only presenting necessary intel, while Refresh fittingly bolsters interior air management and illumination.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 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
  • Yeti’s new Rambler Bowls are the outdoor-lover’s ideal, and an essential addition to any tailgate setup, offering the same double-wall vacuum insulation as the brand’s famous drinkware with secure lids and an handsome aesthetic.
    — Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The handsome wooden bench is crafted from solid poplar, features antique bronze hardware, and sports the soft and airy Seadrift finish, ideal for coastal, modern farmhouse, and contemporary dining rooms alike.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of handsome

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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 1 Oct. 2026.

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