pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: a humorous act or remark : jest
2
: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter
3
: a polite social remark
exchanged pleasantries

Examples of pleasantry in a Sentence

“how are you” is merely a social pleasantry his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Within the span of five minutes, Samantha had skipped pleasantries and knew all about my three Italian mothers (my mother and her sisters), my current complicated situationship, and my dreams of becoming a writer. Sara Sturek, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025 The comedian walked into the venue exchanging pleasantries with staffers along the way. Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 At the end of the day, as my family shared pictures and pleasantries from our morning together, the group text really just wanted the casserole recipe. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025 Bobby Miller did not know Blake Snell at all, but the mutual admiration went beyond just pleasantries as Miller typed a direct message to the two-time Cy Young winner and his new teammate. Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasantry was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasantry. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun
pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: agreeable playfulness in conversation
2
a
: a humorous act or speech
b
: a light or casual polite remark
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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