tactful

adjective

ˈtakt-fəl How to pronounce tactful (audio)
Definition of tactfulnext
as in politic
having or showing tact tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tactful The tactful way to teach them requires refraining from criticizing their parents, which will be a struggle. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026 The boutique seller quoted earlier in the article is slightly less tactful. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 Coach Erik Spoelstra was a bit more tactful while offering similar sentiment. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026 Please advise me on a tactful way to address this dear woman. — Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tactful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactful
  1. politic
  2. polite
  3. diplomatic
  4. respectful
Adjective
  • Coaxing out his talents fell to a more politic peer.
    — Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
  • What’s depicted focuses on the advances these early feminists made at the school and in society, and the personal tensions between the relentlessly radical Marks and the more politic Woolley.
    — Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Definition of politic
Adjective
  • Being honest about your limits is more helpful than being polite.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • When speaking to a duo of polite British children on their Spider-Man press tour, Holland eggs Zendaya into doing her British accent.
    — Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The South African government is pushing for Africa-wide talks while seeking to manage the fallout over anti-immigration protests that have forced many migrants to leave the country and caused diplomatic tensions with some its African counterparts.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • South Africa’s ruling coalition turned on itself in court over a new land reform law at the heart of a diplomatic rift with the US.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of diplomatic
Adjective
  • As a tribute to their compassion and tenacity in the face of horror, the six-part miniseries is above reproach — respectful and respectable, laudatory but dignified.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
  • Monica Lewinsky's tribute to Lindsey Graham following his death sparked interest across the aisles, not only for her respectful candor, but also served as a reminder of the late senator's impact on history.
    — Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of respectful

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tactful
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Cite this Entry

“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tactful

Nglish: Translation of tactful for Spanish Speakers

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