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 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politeness
Noun
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The Drive Road manners are smooth and predictable, though steering feedback could be sharper.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Some felt its handling was off and others criticized its on-road manners.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Liang, kneeling before me, made a praying gesture and rubbed his hands together to warm them.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
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The gesture might boost public support for the tax.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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This helps replicate the attentiveness of an in-store associate at scale.—
Charisma Glassman,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The tradition muted palette gets a graphic update courtesy of pops of color informed by school pennants, an LV monogram tartan, as well as on theme embroideries and crests that extend to small accessories in the form of what are sure to be covetable caps, scarves, and ties.—
Naomi Rougeau,
Robb Report,
12 Sep. 2025
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Green Bay would find the end zone once more in the first half, courtesy of another 90-plus-yard drive.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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This gives the outfit a cool twist without sacrificing elegance.—
Emma Mehl,
Glamour,
10 Sep. 2025
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Nothing more needs to be said to exhibit the chasm about to open up between two young women who share much in the way of gentility, elegance and accomplishments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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His leadership is rooted in a commitment to service, an insistence on civility and a passion for promoting the public interest.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
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Ortberg has called for a return to civility, respect and openness as Boeing recovers from years of crisis, including whistleblower accounts of vindictive managers.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Either way, the butter dish adds a sense of thoughtfulness and tradition to everyday meals.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
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Customizing your application to reflect what excites you about the accelerator shows thoughtfulness and intent.—
Hinza Asif,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
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