as in politic
having or showing tact
tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
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
Adjective
-
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
-
Florida has had enough of pettiness, politic stunts and petulance.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This week, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal, together with Representative Ro Khanna, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth that reads less like a polite congressional inquiry and more like a prosecutorial brief.—
Mayra Rodriguez Valladares,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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Off the pitch, Kvaratskhelia was generous, obsessed over his self-improvement, and unfailingly polite.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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The relationship also gives Azerbaijan access to a critical diplomatic resource, according to Joshua Kucera, a senior analyst for the Crisis Group, allowing Baku to utilize Israel’s lobby in Washington, DC.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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Before that Markey/Kennedy 2020 vote, the talk back then was what kind of diplomatic job would President Joe Biden find for the underestimated Markey after Kennedy defeated him.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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There are, on average, two weddings a week at the resort; sometimes sound can carry from the beachfront reception, but the party never lasts too late in order to be respectful of guests.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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There are respectful blink-and-you’ll-miss-them nods to the tournament’s other co-hosts, Mexico and Canada – some flags, maple syrup and a guacamole dip – and the French even found a way to shout out some of their sponsors and partners.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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