polite

adjective

pə-ˈlīt How to pronounce polite (audio)
Definition of politenext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective polite contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of polite are chivalrous, civil, courteous, and gallant. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," 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

When might chivalrous be a better fit than polite?

The synonyms chivalrous and polite are sometimes interchangeable, but chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is civil a more appropriate choice than polite?

Although the words civil and polite have much in common, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of polite?

The meanings of courteous and polite largely overlap; however, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of polite?

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

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 polite Crises rarely arrive with polite warnings or predictable timetables. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 What is a polite way to say no to a donation request? —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2025 In doing all that detail work, Margolin is too polite and respectful toward her own characters. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2025 Despite their polite and understated personalities, the Japanese can’t dim their enthusiasm for baseball’s brightest star. —Jay Paris, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polite
  1. gracious
  2. proper
  3. civil
  4. respectable
  5. thoughtful
  6. decorous
  7. courteous
  8. satisfactory
Adjective
  • 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
  • The press conference had a very gracious tone on the U.S. relationship.
    — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of gracious
Adjective
  • The government insisted the nonprofits didn't have standing to bring this case on behalf of the employees because the employees themselves needed go through the proper, yet limited, channels to challenge their firings, with each employee fighting his or her own battle.
    — Christina Gatti, NPR, 8 Apr. 2025
  • All my Social Security user logins are again able to connect and view the proper benefit information.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of proper
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
  • 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
Definition of civil
Adjective
  • Further back, Kimi Antonelli in sixth impressed in his Mercedes, setting the fastest lap of the race, while home favorite Yuki Tsunoda fought through to a respectable P12 in his first race for Red Bull.
    — Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The twin-size Premier Hybrid is the only size currently $100 less, but the queen starts at a respectable $999, while the king starts at $1,199.
    — Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of respectable
Adjective
  • 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
  • This is a complex matter requiring thoughtful consideration and a long-term perspective.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of thoughtful
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
  • 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
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • 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
  • Described as courteous, hard-working, and helpful who doesn't take the spotlight and does the right things.
    — Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024
Definition of courteous
Adjective
  • The sound from the optional Bose 12-speaker upgrade is satisfactory.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Yet a great deal remained to be paid with funds expected after the submission of satisfactory progress reports.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of satisfactory

Browse Nearby Words

polish off
polite
politely
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Cite this Entry

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

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