1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pleasantry
The Liberty made sure to exchange pleasantries early.
—
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
But beneath the pleasantries, motives start to be questioned leading
to a devastating series of events.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Liberation Weekend aims to build on the ambitions of 2020s showcases like New Haven’s T4T Fest while avoiding the docile pleasantries of larger organizations beholden to corporate and political donors.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025
Demi Moore, in Giorgio Armani, exchanged pleasantries with Miles Teller.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025
But beneath the pleasantries, motives start to be questioned leading
to a devastating series of events.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Liberation Weekend aims to build on the ambitions of 2020s showcases like New Haven’s T4T Fest while avoiding the docile pleasantries of larger organizations beholden to corporate and political donors.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 9 Apr. 2025
Demi Moore, in Giorgio Armani, exchanged pleasantries with Miles Teller.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
-
Even neutral or well-meaning gestures are perceived as selfish, passive-aggressive or hostile.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
-
This grand gesture brought national attention to Lee’s fight to bring recognition to Juneteenth.—
Bea L. Hines,
Miami Herald,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
Sports officials have been the target of jokes and ire from fans for as long as sports have existed.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
-
And like a sick joke from south of the border, the Avs would go on to win three titles.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
17 June 2025
Noun
-
The style’s timeless aesthetic and high-quality feel come courtesy of that leather upper with careful stitching, plus a traditional lace-up style and a supportive outsole carved with the map of Manhattan (harking back to Coach’s Big Apple identity).—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
-
See which breweries are near you, courtesy of CT Brewers’ Guild.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
Y'all gave me a good laugh this morning, so thanks for that!—
Levi Weaver,
New York Times,
17 June 2025
-
Her spirit, her fire, her talent, her leadership, her laugh — unforgettable.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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