1
as in gesture
an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners
"how are you" is merely a social pleasantry
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2
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter
his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pleasantry
Within the span of five minutes, Samantha had skipped pleasantries and knew all about my three Italian mothers (my mother and her sisters), my current complicated situationship, and my dreams of becoming a writer.
—
Sara Sturek, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
The comedian walked into the venue exchanging pleasantries with staffers along the way.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
At the end of the day, as my family shared pictures and pleasantries from our morning together, the group text really just wanted the casserole recipe.
—Brennan Long, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
Bobby Miller did not know Blake Snell at all, but the mutual admiration went beyond just pleasantries as Miller typed a direct message to the two-time Cy Young winner and his new teammate.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Sara Sturek, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2025
The comedian walked into the venue exchanging pleasantries with staffers along the way.
—Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
At the end of the day, as my family shared pictures and pleasantries from our morning together, the group text really just wanted the casserole recipe.
—Brennan Long, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2025
Bobby Miller did not know Blake Snell at all, but the mutual admiration went beyond just pleasantries as Miller typed a direct message to the two-time Cy Young winner and his new teammate.
—Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
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Despite this, just seconds after the final whistle, Lucas Vazquez approached the away end at the Emirates Stadium — where more than 2,000 Madrid fans were in attendance — and promised them with gestures that Madrid would win in the second leg of the quarter-final.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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Google’s gesture may be attractive to a new set of potential customers.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, Corden, as the event’s emcee, made some uncomfortable jokes about the Dow dropping 2200 points last Friday.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
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After Wil Trapp scored a rare goal in Minnesota United’s 2-1 win over New York City on Sunday — and the midfielder did so from outside the 18-yard box — Michael Boxall had jokes ready for his teammate and friend in the visiting locker room at Yankee Stadium.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The deep space asteroid that recently made headlines for its potential to collide with Earth received its own photoshoot courtesy of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
3 Apr. 2025
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The very act of looking up from your phone or notes can signal courtesy and enthusiasm.—
Bala Sathyanarayanan,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In a bit role, Morgan McGhee delivers big laughs with her loopy take as a newscaster.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
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The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast co-host was spotted sharing a laugh with his daughter Mia and his niece Savannah Phillips on Christmas at Sandringham in December 2024, joining the royals for church on the holiday.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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