POLITIC Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'politic' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland , diplomatic , smooth , suave , and urbane . While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people. // a cunningly politic manager

Q: When could 'bland' be used to replace 'politic'?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities. // a bland master of ceremonies

Q: When is 'diplomatic' a more appropriate choice than 'politic'?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully. // a diplomatic negotiator

Q: When might 'smooth' be a better fit than 'politic'?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity. // a smooth salesman

Q: When can 'suave' be used instead of 'politic'?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction. // a suave public relations coordinator

Q: When is it sensible to use 'urbane' instead of 'politic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic , urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience. // an urbane traveler

politic

adjective

ˈpä-lə-ˌtik

Definition of politic next

as in diplomatic

having or showing tact the actor is politic in discussing the aborted film project, being content to say that there were "creative differences"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in prudent

suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances it probably would not be politic to tell your boss that his latest idea is the worst thing you've ever heard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word politic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland, diplomatic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When could bland be used to replace politic?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than politic?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might smooth be a better fit than politic?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of politic?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use urbane instead of politic?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 politic Fox News is not exactly known for their nuanced (or accurate) takes on politic discourse. —

refinery29.com, 13 Aug. 2020 Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. —

Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 For his part, Márki-Zay didn’t give the most politic concession speech. —

John Fund, National Review, 5 Apr. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. —

New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for politic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic

Adjective

The plan, which would amount to ethnic cleansing and violate international law, caused a global diplomatic storm, delighted many on the right wing of politics in Israel and horrified Palestinians.

— Christian Edwards, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Today, as our biggest competitor, China is engaged in a trillion-dollar global investment and infrastructure project called the Belt and Road Initiative to build closer economic and diplomatic ties with countries across the world.

— Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025