pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē 

plural pleasantries

1

: a humorous act or remark : jest

2

: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter

3

: a polite social remark

exchanged pleasantries

Synonyms of pleasantry

• gesture
• courtesy

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

The staff isn't particularly happy, helpful, or welcoming; after all, who has time for pleasantries when you're slammed all day? —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

After some awkward pleasantries, a single white envelope containing deal terms was slid across the table. —Matthew Herper, STAT, 25 Mar. 2026

Cohen reached out asking to talk, but Epstein was done with pleasantries. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026

After checking their badges, the police exchange pleasantries with the agents and leave. —Ali Bauman, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pleasantry

• peasantry

Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē 

plural pleasantries

1

: agreeable playfulness in conversation

2

a

: a humorous act or speech

b

: a light or casual polite remark