as in politic
having or showing tact
tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing
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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
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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
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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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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
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My son’s friend is an exemplary young man — polite and respectful in all ways except one.—
Jacobina Martin,
Washington Post,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi pressed his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict and refrain from resuming hostilities during a meeting in Beijing.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
7 May 2026
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For one, Beijing may have little faith in its sway over Tehran, despite their diplomatic allegiance.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Adjective
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Employers will foster open and respectful communication in the form of supportive groups and spaces for menopausal women.—
Shirley Velasquez,
Flow Space,
11 May 2026
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For our staff, this means a more focused, respectful work environment.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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