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
-
Did my mom teach me manners that no longer exist?—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
-
That kind of no-reply email must surely be bad manners, or worse.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
My background as an art historian pushed me to consider that there might be an understanding of a collective experience in that idiosyncratic gesture I’d made.—
Lilyanna D'Amato,
ARTnews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
These gestures are shaped by a mix of influencer aesthetics and pop culture.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As a professor of a notoriously difficult subject, Green said a teaching approach centered on encouragement and attentiveness has been the key to helping her students succeed.—
Claire Wang,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
-
In Smith’s attentiveness, the painting became a locus of communion, one that linked him to the artist who made it.—
Luis Parrales,
The Atlantic,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Photograph courtesy 2025 Adama Films / Shochiku Yasujirō Ozu, who made dozens of masterworks from the nineteen-thirties through the early sixties, is among the most misunderstood of great directors.—
Dan Stahl,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
-
Check out the map below, courtesy of the Orange County registrar of voters’ office, to find the nearest vote center or ballot drop box to you for the 2026 primary election.—
Oc Register,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
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
-
This 50-room boutique hotel in the French Quarter of Charleston aims to nurture a sense of relaxation and comfort, elegance and warm hospitality.—
Asa Canty,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
-
For many women of color, the slick-back bun was, and is, a perfect intersection of elegance and endurance.—
Elizabeth Gulino,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The potential for combustion was always present, the end of civility always near.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Apr. 2026
-
While news outlets attempt to maintain civility in comment sections by various forms of moderation and by articulating policies of acceptable speech, moderating comments itself is a labor-intensive endeavor, and not all news outlets want to or can dedicate the necessary amount of resources to it.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Traits women are often taught to value, like thoughtfulness, awareness and generosity, can become a form of power when they’re used deliberately.—
Kelly Ehlers,
Rolling Stone,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Honesty, honor, humility, truth, compassion, humanity, thoughtfulness, morality, true strength and decency.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Politeness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politeness. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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