TACTFUL Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

tactful

adjective

ˈtakt-fəl

Definition of tactful

as in politic

having or showing tact tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing

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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 While that wasn’t necessarily the most tactful assessment, given the volume of live games that still air on FS1 and TBS (and, yes, ESPN), Manfred’s take wasn’t at odds with the facts on the ground. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Even during the tactful decades of Finlandization, the adversary was obvious. — Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for tactful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactful

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

Music of the margins — which before neoperreo was punk rock and hip-hop — had been framed in opposition to polite society.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The emergency response agents were always polite and professional, and two-way communications came through loud and clear.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

Predominantly Muslim Malaysia is a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has no diplomatic or direct economic ties with Israel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
The experience of this year’s conflict, in which successive rounds of fighting outran diplomatic efforts to contain them, offers little reason for that confidence.

— Ali Vaez, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of diplomatic

Adjective

The United States’ network of defense pacts is poised to get stronger as its allies get stronger, but only if rebalancing occurs with consent, foresight, and respectful treatment of partners.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
In a statement to The Times, Austin FC said it was committed to providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all fans.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of respectful

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“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tactful

adjective

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