1
as in national
of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

Both 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

When can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 civil Founded by Ryan Sorrell, the online-only publication has distinguished itself not just as a news source, but as a platform for those who are passionate about social justice and civil resistance, particularly in the Black, brown, LGBTQ and low-income communities. J.m. Banks, Kansas City Star, 22 Feb. 2025 One of the key initiatives was empowering the D.C. Attorney General to bring civil lawsuits against drivers who racked up egregious infractions and fines — regardless of where they're registered. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 21 Feb. 2025 The civil lawsuit requests actual and statutory damages, including up to $150,000 per willful infringement and punitive damages of $5 million per song. Thania Garcia, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025 The couple is going to have a civil ceremony next month so that Amber can get on her future husband’s health insurance. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
Adjective
  • Sixty percent favored deporting migrants who are in the country illegally, and 59% backed his decision declaring a national emergency because of migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border.
    Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Guy Fieri will host the event as four six-person chef teams of former Tournament winners and local and national rising stars will battle for the People’s Choice Award.
    Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Dressed in a colorful smoking jacket, an accentuating cravat and pencil-thin mustache, his get-up is almost as refined as his compliments, which are so detailed and nimbly assembled that even the politest group of word-spitters would be thoroughly impressed.
    Stefano Montali, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Donald’s giving voice to what polite society sort of sat on for a while, things that are felt but that no one is articulating.
    Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But each woman who was so gracious to spend time speaking with me is someone whose films have moved me.
    Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Darvish was gracious when asked about Gurriel’s gesture at the time.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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