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 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 Coach Erik Spoelstra was a bit more tactful while offering similar sentiment. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 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

In Berkeley, where California clay culture yanked ceramics out of the category of polite craft and into something huge, physical, ugly, and beautiful, Heilmann learned to weld.

— Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
Bukele’s manner is polite but imperious, slow to bestow approval.

— Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

Some might wonder why the commission has not already opened an investigation, given the seemingly ample amount of evidence that FIFA does not consult before making big decisions, but Masters took a more diplomatic stance.

— Matt Slater, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Turkey’s government insists its courts are independent as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shrugs off European rulings, a stance that has already fueled a diplomatic clash with Western ambassadors over Kavala’s detention.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of diplomatic

Adjective

Trump is certain to get Miss Manners approval for saying the leader of North Korea has been respectful and unthreatening.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Aug. 2026
Alex and Geddy headed to the tennis section while the three of us followed at a respectful distance, trying to keep cool.

— Kevin Griffin, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of respectful

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“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of tactful

adjective

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