CIVIL Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'civil' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: In what contexts can 'chivalrous' take the place of 'civil'?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When is it sensible to use 'courteous' instead of 'civil'?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: How do 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' relate to one another, in the sense of 'civil'?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy. // a gallant suitor of the old school

Q: When can 'polite' be used instead of 'civil'?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality. // if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl

Definition of civil next

as in national

of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Examples 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 civil With national polls showing the country evenly split between former President Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris just days before Tuesday’s election — and each side demonizing the other through every available media stream — civil discourse has been all but lost. —

Julia Prodis Sulek, The Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2024 Maricopa County, for example, will even have a SWAT team available if needed. STEPHANOPOULOS: Also concerned about civil unrest. —

ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024 On this fall afternoon, on eve of a presidential election that is too close to call, the Queens native is bracing for civil unrest regardless of the outcome. —

Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 2 Nov. 2024 The Karenni State Interim Executive Council has established administrations in 16 townships across the state, all elected by residents and consisting of leaders representing civil society and ethnic communities. —

Koh Ewe, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil

Adjective

As a result, fluoride is missing from 43% of Californian faucets, far more than the national average of 25.6%.

Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
Other contracting experts said federal departments and agencies should have been more skeptical about accepting free products and consulting services from Microsoft, given the implications for competition and national security.

Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024