1
as in courtesy
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
after the usual civilities, the parents and the principal had a serious talk about the boy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
treated people from all walks of life with the same unfailing civility
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 civility
There are dozens of snipers all around the city, ensuring trade is done with civility, but that is just the ground level.
—
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
For Andre Davis, who served on both the district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, the episode is part of a broader breakdown in civility and respect between the branches.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 8 July 2025
Its most noteworthy aspect, in my memory, was the degree of civility and collaboration between representatives of the Democrats and Republicans.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
The president’s endorsement could shed light on the size of the anti-Trump wing of the GOP wing in New Jersey, with longtime state senator (and standup comedian) Jon Bramnick, who has called for a return to civility and has sharply criticized Trump in the past, on the ballot.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2025
For Andre Davis, who served on both the district court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, the episode is part of a broader breakdown in civility and respect between the branches.
—Carrie Johnson, NPR, 8 July 2025
Its most noteworthy aspect, in my memory, was the degree of civility and collaboration between representatives of the Democrats and Republicans.
—Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
The president’s endorsement could shed light on the size of the anti-Trump wing of the GOP wing in New Jersey, with longtime state senator (and standup comedian) Jon Bramnick, who has called for a return to civility and has sharply criticized Trump in the past, on the ballot.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for civility
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civility
Noun
-
Elizabeth Olsen opted for a dress courtesy of Rodarte’s fall 2022 ready-to-wear collection.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
5 Sep. 2025
-
That data comes courtesy of payroll processor ADP and marks a steep slowdown from July’s upwardly revised 106,000, underscoring how fragile employment momentum has become halfway through 2025.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some felt its handling was off and others criticized its on-road manners.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
From this perspective, swearing isn’t a direct reflection of your character or manners.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Liang, kneeling before me, made a praying gesture and rubbed his hands together to warm them.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The gesture might boost public support for the tax.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The poster themselves shared their belief in the power of politeness.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Aug. 2025
-
While the wife’s new friendship may have started innocently, the man felt compelled to put his family’s comfort above politeness.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.—
Rachel Wallace,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Giorgio Armani, the famed Italian fashion designer who achieved elegance and timelessness through simplicity, has died.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Thirty-three states have enacted legislation regarding school cellphone usage amid a growing push to restrict students’ smartphone access in schools, primarily due to mental health and concerns about academic attentiveness.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
This helps replicate the attentiveness of an in-store associate at scale.—
Charisma Glassman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Customizing your application to reflect what excites you about the accelerator shows thoughtfulness and intent.—
Hinza Asif,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
This left TikTok viewers applauding him for his thoughtfulness in saving cake for the rest of the family.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Civility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civility. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share