1
as in manners
speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding
the little girl's politeness greatly impressed her teacher
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
inquiring after his wife was a simple politeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of politeness
The goldendoodle’s shoulder tap felt almost human in its politeness, and the woman’s response — smiling, breaking off a piece and blowing on it — felt effortlessly warm.
—
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
When talking to your peers, politeness is of paramount importance.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2026
Friendly or the blank politeness of impartiality?
—Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
His father was William Shawn, editor for 35 years of The New Yorker, known for his own mix of politeness and steel.
—Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
My own teenagers still remember a time long ago when they were given free Munchkins at Dunkin' Donuts because our server was so touched by their friendly politeness.
—Catherine Newman, Parents, 22 Feb. 2026
But don’t let an obligation to politeness keep you from clarity.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Multiple sources speak about his impressive handling of a tough situation, praising his politeness and professionalism.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Beyond simple politeness, being easy to talk to happens to be a powerful social and career advantage.
—John Bowe, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
-
Today’s outdoor culinary enthusiast has many finer options than my dad’s generation—methods and equipment to suit their theatricality, flavor preferences, competitive spirit, and moods of all manners.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Firm if slightly sweaty handshake notwithstanding, there’s a gentleness to Root; old-school manners, slender shoulders and a reedy Sheffield twang.—
James Wallace,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
The service The resort staff are freshly plucked from some of the best luxury Maldives resorts and global Ritz-Carlton properties, and greet each passing guest with an endearing right-hand-on-the-heart gesture and a nod.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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In a sea of prestige actresses doing dramedy, Byrne is a true comedic talent, sporting incredible instincts for finding the funniest angle for Sylvia to take in her line readings or gestures.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
In a statement, his attorney Anna Geigle with the Denver law firm Geigle Morales, said Allen is deeply grateful for the jury’s hard work and attentiveness.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
28 May 2026
-
Nolan’s attentiveness to his characters extends beyond the page.—
Eliana Dockterman,
Time,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The cowboy hats, the team’s rally caps courtesy of assistant coach Carlie Chaulsett-Utley, emerged in league.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
Musk owns around 42% of the total equity, but Musk exerts 85% control courtesy of his overwhelming ownership of the B’s.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Noun
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During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Spacious rooms and suites are among some of the largest in the city and reflect the elegance, refinement, and comfort long associated with Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
4 June 2026
-
Here are nine couches for small spaces that channel elegance without stuffiness.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
4 June 2026
Noun
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In their telling in 1982, the broken window wasn’t merely a small, fixable problem but a cue that the block in question had no steward, that the neighborhood had no guardian, that ordinary obligations of civility were no longer in play.—
Elizabeth Glazer,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
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And Mary’s electric, palpably physical pursuit of justice becomes even more crucial in the final act, after a grotesque display of performative mockery toward Māori culture fractures the last remnants of civility present amid one of Cole’s lavish-yet-repulsive gatherings.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
17 May 2026
Noun
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And Kimmel, who has never been accused of thoughtfulness or thoroughness, claiming that Colbert's contract offer proves something is once again wrong.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
-
The key is to settle from a position of thoughtfulness, not panic.—
Michael Gargiulo,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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