1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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
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 polite
Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, being genuine is more memorable than attempting to appear polite.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Forward Niall Ennis approaches cautiously and is teased mercilessly over his polite request for a service station drop-off after the weekend’s game.
—Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Adjective
Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, being genuine is more memorable than attempting to appear polite.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
Forward Niall Ennis approaches cautiously and is teased mercilessly over his polite request for a service station drop-off after the weekend’s game.
—Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Though he was disappointed by the loss, Page didn't demonstrate any further wrestling tactics on Seacrest and ended the show with a polite handshake.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
Adjective
-
The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Clara’s Table restaurant is Dearborn Inn’s tribute to Henry Ford’s wife, Clara, a passionate horticulturist and gracious hostess.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
AFAR Media,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
By advocating for proper funding, schools will be able to take innovative approaches to increasing literacy rates, as well as seeing gains in math.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Leighton said being respectful of the flight crew, keeping your stuff in order, disposing of your trash responsibly, and just generally minding your manners make the flying experience more pleasant for everyone.—
Zach Wichter,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Norris then gestures to the security team.—
Alexandra Duggan,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The gesture was orchestrated by Hunsaker, who wanted a picture-perfect moment for his children to look back on.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
If this were a civil case, the parties would likely file motions for summary judgment, and the judge would be able to offer an explanation of how the law applies to the evidence adduced at trial.—
Andrea Tinianow,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
In civil cases, confidential settlements can resolve matters that might have taken years to go to trial, by allowing those accused of wrongdoing to minimize any publicity.—
David W. Chen,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The daughter of Season 25’s Bryan Olesen turned out a perfectly respectable rendition of Avril Lavigne’s ballad.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Rose shot a very respectable round of 71, but had too many bogeys mixed in with his handful of birdies.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
United were purposeful and tenacious from the start and cruised to an early lead courtesy of a splendid solo goal from Bizet in the sixth minute.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Photograph courtesy of Le Gryuère AOP Outside, Fromagerie de Mézières is ringed in meadow.—
Betsy Andrews,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The pair both showed up to their second date on the beach with thoughtful gifts and eventually shared their first kiss before Tyler met Madison's family.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
10 Apr. 2025
-
This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Polite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polite. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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