1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
inquiring after his wife was a simple politeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
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After seeing how reluctant to move the horse was, their older sibling decided to jump in and help delay their owner's departure—albeit, with much gentler manners.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Jan. 2025 -
For more on how to lose your clothes but not your manners, have a look at our perennial guide to nude beach etiquette.—
CNN,
The Mercury News,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Musk’s recent controversial behavior includes addressing an inauguration audience with a gesture many interpreted to be a Nazi salute.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The actress didn't seem to shy away from the gesture, and appeared to welcome the affectionate embrace.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Towson trimmed the deficit to 49-42 with 13:04 remaining courtesy of an 8-2 burst.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Mar. 2025
-
Jacob and Sophie’s teacher realizes there’s a problem, and puts together an impromptu lesson on basic courtesy in bathrooms.—
Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman,
TIME,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
He was deployed to Italy, where his conspicuous gallantry in combat earned him the Military Cross.—
Lawrence D. Freedman,
Foreign Affairs,
1 Jan. 2020
-
Crank up the gallantry, crank up the generosity: Send a spark of love and novelty into the black cloud.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The addition of chamomile flowers contributes a subtle floral note, further enhancing its elegance.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Hairstylist Efi Davies wanted to bring an air of elegance to the nostalgic look.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The serial killer is the Red Death wearing the mask of civility and friendship.—
S.A. Cosby,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2025
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The behavior displayed by Dr. Behrend has raised significant concerns, resulting in multiple meetings, multiple concerns from residents, a review of our security protocols, and engagement with the Human Relations Council to explore a formal code of civility.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That dampened employment gains in the broader public sector, which has been one of three key drivers (health care and leisure and hospitality being the others) of overall job growth with most of the credit going to strong gains in state and local governments.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN,
7 Mar. 2025
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In terms of weak spots, retail trade as well as leisure and hospitality were the two groups to see job losses in February.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Ed’s monstrous behavior under the influence of cortisone shatters the veneer of middle-class gentility to reveal the fault lines repressed beneath it.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
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Like Michaels, the band wanted to maintain its nonconformist cred, even though its members were verging on gentility.—
Jillian Sederholm,
EW.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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