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
Robert De Niro is running out of time in Zero Day opening scene (exclusive)
To his credit, Meyers noted that De Niro did at least try engage some elevator pleasantries.
—
EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Cameras captured Trump and Obama, who were seated next to each other, exchanging pleasantries, with Obama laughing at something the incoming and former president was saying.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025
Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2025
This is someone who felt all pleasantries had been dispensed with after typing the title of a book and the full name of its author.
—Sloane Crosley, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
EW.com, 14 Jan. 2025
Cameras captured Trump and Obama, who were seated next to each other, exchanging pleasantries, with Obama laughing at something the incoming and former president was saying.
—Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 9 Jan. 2025
Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2025
This is someone who felt all pleasantries had been dispensed with after typing the title of a book and the full name of its author.
—Sloane Crosley, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pleasantry
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry
Noun
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Musk’s recent controversial behavior includes addressing an inauguration audience with a gesture many interpreted to be a Nazi salute.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2025
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The actress didn't seem to shy away from the gesture, and appeared to welcome the affectionate embrace.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After a joke about Adam Sandler’s fashion sense, O’Brien suddenly changed tone to address the devastation of the wildfires in Los Angeles, and how an awards show can seem self-indulgent if that context was not addressed.—
Annie Aguiar,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2025
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But from a pure comedy standpoint, the joke was just basic—and unfunny.—
Esther Zuckerman,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Towson trimmed the deficit to 49-42 with 13:04 remaining courtesy of an 8-2 burst.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Mar. 2025
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Jacob and Sophie’s teacher realizes there’s a problem, and puts together an impromptu lesson on basic courtesy in bathrooms.—
Sarah Hoffman and Ian Hoffman,
TIME,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Expect plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable speeches as Hollywood's finest take the stage.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
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The free event will bring together some of Miami’s top comedians, including Paula Barros, Carlos Hernandez, and Kyle Grooms, for a night of belly-aching laughs, tasty craft brews, and that unmatched 305 energy.—
Amber Love Bond,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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