CIVIL Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl

Definition of civil next

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

as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 When Trump’s civil case on financial fraud ramped up in New York City — and through methods that are highly creative (and highly off-the-record) — Brourman finagled a seat with the other courtroom sketch artists, who were not entirely welcoming to this stilettoed upstart in their midst. —

Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025 The agency investigated Southwest Airlines and found two routes were delayed a total of 180 times over the span of five months, according to a news release, with the department pursuing civil penalties against the company. —

Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2025 The suit alleges civil extortion, defamation, false light invasion of privacy and more. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 As Shakespeare depicts the king’s reign from June 1483 to August 1485, Richard III’s kingdom was wrought with chaos, confusion and corruption that fueled civil conflict in England. —

David Sterling Brown, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for civil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil

Adjective

Janelle Griffith Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing.

— Janelle Griffith, NBC News, 24 Jan. 2025
But because the job will include a lot of cross-continental travel — along with fighting bad guys and taking down national security threats — his romantic future with Rose is uncertain.

— Emily Blackwood, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025