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 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 Heather, who normally is good at playing this game and tactful while making risky moves like this, seems to have had just enough to drink to lose that tact. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 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
  • The thankful and polite, yet rowdy Post Malone was preceded onstage Wednesday by first opening artist Carter Faith and part-coheadliner, part-opener Jelly Roll .
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • The service The staff are polite and attentive, and will provide thoughtful touches, such as leaving birthday cakes for guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The more productive debate is over the political result being sought, the feasibility of that result, and the combination of diplomatic, economic, informational, and military tools most likely to secure it without disproportionate cost.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • China has also increased investments and diplomatic engagement with countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 July 2026
Definition of diplomatic
Adjective
  • Many national chains prefer that customers not take merchandise from the cart before staff put it out, so asking first helps maintain a respectful atmosphere.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 14 July 2026
  • Our tour leaders, office team and local partners share a belief that the best travel is not extractive or performative, but respectful, curious and human.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of respectful

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tactful
tactfully
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Cite this Entry

“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tactful for Spanish Speakers

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