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 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 Please advise me on a tactful way to address this dear woman. — Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026 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
  • But making eye contact during conversation has functions that go beyond being polite.
    — Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Get to Know the Employees A polite conversation can go a long way, especially in a city like mine, where people usually expect a conversation with a stranger to go poorly.
    — Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The pair also exchanged views on recent diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing political and diplomatic solutions, the statement read, without going into further details.
    — August 20, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In a New Year’s address, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to reunify the two countries and has insisted that other countries not officially recognize Taipei in order to maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of diplomatic
Adjective
  • Sometimes respectful questions surface risks, unintended consequences, or better alternatives that genuinely strengthen the final decision.
    — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Interiors are clean, simple, and respectful of the buildings' heritage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tactful

Nglish: Translation of tactful for Spanish Speakers

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