as in politic
having or showing tact
tried to be tactful when asked to critique her friend's singing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 next step is for the CISO, through tactful negotiation, to secure the CEO's unwavering support.
—
Phillimon Zongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Her field notes are animated by sympathetic amusement, a tactful astonishment at the sheer evolutionary peculiarity of this creature.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Written by Celia Marks and a team of editors at Southern Living Magazine, the party cookbook is brimming with sensible, tactful advice about issuing invitations, entertaining in limited spaces and seating arrangements.
—Rai Mincey, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
The style featured a tactful off-the-shoulder design and a knee-length skirt that hugged her frame.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for tactful
Phillimon Zongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Her field notes are animated by sympathetic amusement, a tactful astonishment at the sheer evolutionary peculiarity of this creature.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Written by Celia Marks and a team of editors at Southern Living Magazine, the party cookbook is brimming with sensible, tactful advice about issuing invitations, entertaining in limited spaces and seating arrangements.
—Rai Mincey, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
The style featured a tactful off-the-shoulder design and a knee-length skirt that hugged her frame.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for tactful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactful
Adjective
-
The interactions of the child protagonists have metaphoric and politic overtones.—
Alex Dueben
July 21,
Literary Hub,
21 July 2025
-
Stirring up some of the local Chicago politic mix, with the cops and more, Smollett then was put under the spotlight of a special prosecutor and hauled before the courts for allegedly playing fast and loose with the truth and his own agenda.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
Always speaking calmly with a polite smile and a distinct Italian accent, Bassetti could easily be described as an iron fist in a velvet glove.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The rather polite 47-year-old Englishman remained transfixed on the massive video board down the hill.—
Brody Miller,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Conley is too diplomatic for that.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Paes also highlighted that the 27th edition of Rio Fest will host 120 distinguished guests, among them French cinema superstar Juliette Binoche who, in addition to presenting her first film as a director, will also celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and France.—
Marcelo Cajueiro,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
We are greatly encouraged by their commitment to fostering a mutually respectful workplace, as demonstrated by their voluntary recognition of our union.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Where are our best role models for good listening and for respectful discourse?—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tactful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactful. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share