civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl How to pronounce civil (audio)
Definition of civilnext
1
as in national
of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of civil Listen to this article An FBI Boston warning about a rise in quitclaim deed fraud closely resembles a civil case involving a Boston Water and Sewer Commission HR director who is alleged to have worked with relatives to swindle her elderly uncle out of his home. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2025 More: Secrecy sits at center of Trump's clash with courts Paul, the Northeastern professor, compared the unusual number of civil cases to the unprecedented criminal charges that Trump faced as a former president in four cases between his two terms. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025 The wrecking-ball is aimed at everything from civil society to education, health, infrastructure, reproductive rights, and more. —David Sogge, Time, 5 Apr. 2025 But following President Donald Trump’s gutting of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the US response has been minimal, prompting condemnation from American senators and civil society groups. —Ross Adkin, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for civil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil
  1. national
  2. polite
  3. gracious
Adjective
  • Follow Werner for continued coverage of national and international discoveries.
    — Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The Homeschool Act has garnered national media attention due to the magnitude of the ...
    — James R. Mason, National Review, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of national
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
  • His boss and co-worker remember him as quiet, polite and professional.
    — James Bandler, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of 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
Definition of gracious

Phrases Containing civil

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civic
civil
civil court
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Cite this Entry

“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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