GALLANT Synonyms: 344 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of gallant are chivalrous , civil , courteous , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," 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: Where would 'chivalrous' be a reasonable alternative to 'gallant'?

The words chivalrous and gallant can be used in similar contexts, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When could 'civil' be used to replace 'gallant'?

While the synonyms civil and gallant are close in meaning, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: When can 'courteous' be used instead of 'gallant'?

Although the words courteous and gallant have much in common, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: When might 'polite' be a better fit than 'gallant'?

The words polite and gallant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

gallant 1 of 3

adjective

ˈga-lənt

Definition of gallant next

as in valiant

feeling or displaying no fear by temperament a gallant firefighter, rushing into the burning house to save the children a gallant rescue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature a gallant knight the members of that service club are known for their gallant service to the community

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a great and gallant sailing ship

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gallant

2 of 3

noun

gə-ˈlant

as in dude

a man extremely interested in his clothing and personal appearance he was quite a gallant, primping more than either of his sisters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slob
sloven

as in boyfriend

a man who courts a woman usually with the goal of marrying her she had a whole host of gallants vying for her hand in marriage

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gallant

3 of 3

verb

as in to romance

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective gallant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gallant are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," 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

Where would chivalrous be a reasonable alternative to gallant?

The words chivalrous and gallant can be used in similar contexts, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When could civil be used to replace gallant?

While the synonyms civil and gallant are close in meaning, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When can courteous be used instead of gallant?

Although the words courteous and gallant have much in common, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When might polite be a better fit than gallant?

The words polite and gallant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 gallant

Adjective

This council made a gallant effort to socialize this City Charter mandate. —

Detroit Free Press, 7 Feb. 2024 There’s the sob story, the gallant bildungsroman, the louche chronicle of various addictive behaviors, the righteous making of an activist, the victory lap. —

Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2023

Noun

And then Emily spies the ring that’s slipped out of Luke’s pocket, spurring him to drop clumsily to one knee, red of lip but gallant of spirit, and offer up a sweet if singularly indecent proposal. —

Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2023 Their resistance captured imaginations in the West; British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other European leaders hailed gallant Finland. —

Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 6 Apr. 2022 See all Example Sentences for gallant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gallant

Adjective

Witness her valiant efforts when the series premieres on November 17.

Zoe Guy, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2024
The Dodgers played it smartly, if weirdly, on a night when the Yankees’ valiant effort could be summed up in two words.

Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024