POLITE Synonyms: 156 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'polite' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of polite are chivalrous , civil , courteous , and gallant . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," 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

Q: When might 'chivalrous' be a better fit than 'polite'?

The synonyms chivalrous and polite are sometimes interchangeable, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When is 'civil' a more appropriate choice than 'polite'?

Although the words civil and polite have much in common, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: When is it sensible to use 'courteous' instead of 'polite'?

The meanings of courteous and polite largely overlap; however, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: How are the words 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' related as synonyms of 'polite'?

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

polite

adjective

pə-ˈlīt

Definition of polite next

as in gracious

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners it's only polite to hold the door for the person behind you

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in proper

following the established traditions of refined society and good taste such matters are never mentioned in polite conversation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective polite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of polite are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and gallant. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," 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

When might chivalrous be a better fit than polite?

The synonyms chivalrous and polite are sometimes interchangeable, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is civil a more appropriate choice than polite?

Although the words civil and polite have much in common, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of polite?

The meanings of courteous and polite largely overlap; however, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of polite?

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

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 polite Donald Trump Sworn In as the 47th U.S. President Trump and Pence had their first interaction in four years at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Jan. 9, which was uneventful and polite, Pence shared. —

Rachel Raposas, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 If Trump lost McConnell on Hegseth, there is reason to think other Republican lawmakers might now look around and find good—and shrewd—company in the polite opposition. —

Philip Elliott, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025 Upon arrival in Key West, the group exchanges polite greetings, but the underlying tension is palpable. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025 Think bold reds, glints of gold, and just the right amount of flair to take you from polite family dinners to full-on bar crawls. —

Crystal Chen, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for polite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite

Adjective

My colleagues were more than gracious enough to take some time out of their day to taste-test copious amounts of chocolate.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
The Queen was impeccably gracious in her victory, playing down the historic moment.

— Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025