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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of polite
Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
—
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
And all the polite cheeriness about singlehood—especially from partnered people, in a society still designed for couples—can feel disingenuous and patronizing.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
Moreover, if there’s a casserole that everyone seems to be skipping over—we’re looking at you, lime jello delight—it is always considered polite to grab a small scoop, or at the very least make sure the contributor still feels appreciated.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polite
Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
And all the polite cheeriness about singlehood—especially from partnered people, in a society still designed for couples—can feel disingenuous and patronizing.
—Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
Moreover, if there’s a casserole that everyone seems to be skipping over—we’re looking at you, lime jello delight—it is always considered polite to grab a small scoop, or at the very least make sure the contributor still feels appreciated.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2025
Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 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
-
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
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Just cut the tubing to the proper length and wrap it around the cables.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
20 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
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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
-
The Hungarian women's national hockey team fell 2-0 to the Swedish women despite goalie Anikó Németh making 22 crucial saves in the outing to make the outcome more respectable.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
-
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
Adjective
-
Aside from a series of gruesome martyr scenes frescoed on the interior wall of the second ring in the late 16th century, the decor reflects late Imperial taste for decorous abstraction and costly materials.—
The New York Times,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Is there any decorous way to acknowledge my failure to do so over the past few years and to express my regret?—
Judith Martin,
The Mercury News,
22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Weinstein says Steel’s highly courteous, but firm, personality could be an asset when Combs’ case veers in highly sensitive territory.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
15 Apr. 2025
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Rather, more parents should welcome, rather than react defensively, when another parent steps in to support your efforts to teach your kids courteous manners.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The surgery was difficult due to Bolsonaro’s prior surgeries and stab wound, but Sunday’s procedure did not have unexpected complications and the result was satisfactory, doctors said, adding that hospital visits for now should be limited to family.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
14 Apr. 2025
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According to the complaint, Combs allegedly said the act wasn’t satisfactory and threatened Doe with violence afterward.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
28 Mar. 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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