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 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 Even during the tactful decades of Finlandization, the adversary was obvious. — Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026 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 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

The result is a chain of polite, yet simultaneously radical buildings with an exciting contour resembling a mountainous landscape – adding ‘bergen’ in De Bergen!

— Bridget Borgobello July 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
Then, when regular channels deny your claim, send a polite, concise email to the company’s executives.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

Though this occurred over a sparsely populated wilderness, the incident sparked a major cleanup operation by Canada and the United States, along with a significant diplomatic flap and the payment of millions of dollars by the Soviets for damages.

— David Szondy July 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026
Deeply skeptical of his diplomatic attempts with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could view the president’s comments as an opening to continue operations both in Lebanon, against Hezbollah, or in Iran itself.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 July 2026

Definition of diplomatic

Adjective

When asked specifically about religion, the models provide neutral, respectful replies, Wingate said.

— Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Review a bill, then send a polite message that clarifies terms, because simple words protect value and invite respectful responses.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026

Definition of respectful

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“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of tactful

adjective

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