tactfully

adverb

Definition of tactfullynext
as in politely

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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 tactfully How can a hiring manager tactfully verify where a candidate actually lives and plans to work without sounding accusatory or making assumptions based on their surroundings? — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 The most successful communicators can tactfully disagree with senior leaders without hurting their own reputation. — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 3 June 2026 Lucky, at least, knows how to stay in his lane tactfully. — John Burek, PC Magazine, 1 June 2026 While Smith tactfully deflected that question, Church and other supporters would like to see a portion of the downtown building used for a larger display of his work. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 The Chinese researchers remained tactfully silent on the military front — perhaps choosing scientific decorum over a discussion of battlefield utility. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026 How can this situation be dealt with tactfully with the hosts — if at all? — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Jan. 2026 Forgoing opulence and drama, Stone’s floor-length dress featured a flowing silhouette and distinct gray lines tactfully exposing the seams of the garment. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025 The royal family are responsible for the seating arrangements at the state dinner and appear to have tactfully seated the media mogul far away from the president to avoid any awkward encounters. — Amanda Castro hannah Parry shane Croucher jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tactfully
  1. politely
  2. diplomatically
  3. courteously
  4. civilly
Adverb
  • This time, a large group of bicycle neophytes led by a teacher pulled up slowly and politely paused at the crosswalk.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The outcomes suggest that money and its purest embodiments will be forced to slip politely back behind the curtain, to support more relatable public figures.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of politely
Adverb
  • European countries have sought to diplomatically isolate the Russian leader since the invasion.
    — Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The State Department has been active diplomatically to try and resolve the situation.
    — Paul Tilsley, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of diplomatically
Adverb
  • Two inspectors knocked on doors and spoke courteously to surprised visitors who displayed booking contracts on their phones, the inspectors’ bodycam footage showed.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • When a visitor arrives in a classroom, a classroom ambassador welcomes them, introduces himself and the subject being taught, and courteously asks for the visitor’s name and affiliation.
    — Walter Fields, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of courteously
Adverb
  • Brown also noted that Wexner has denied wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and has not been criminally charged nor found civilly liable.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Tucker was never criminally charged or sued civilly over the allegations, but the allegations, and subsequent NFL suspension, led some to compare him to Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of civilly

Browse Nearby Words

tactful
tactfully
tactfulness
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Cite this Entry

“Tactfully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tactfully. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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