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

• amenity
• attention
• civility
• courtesy
• formality
• gesture
• politeness

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

Taking her cue from this kind of misleadingly righteous and euphemistic messaging, Scotti weaves tense little waltzes of activist-speak, pleasantries, and passive aggression for her central quartet. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

The two were often pictured greeting each other and sharing pleasantries at award shows and other industry events. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Having a pet that needs to go outside creates opportunities to exchange pleasantries with someone at the dog park or out on a walk, Saltz added. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024

Tears flowed, pleasantries were exchanged and Kotb explained her decision. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 26 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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