Synonym Chooser

How is the word politic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland, diplomatic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When could bland be used to replace politic?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than politic?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might smooth be a better fit than politic?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of politic?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use urbane instead of politic?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 politic Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 For his part, Márki-Zay didn’t give the most politic concession speech. John Fund, National Review, 5 Apr. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 Meanwhile, as the early promise of a coronavirus-free summer has given way to new mask mandates and other restrictions, public hostility toward vaccine holdouts has spurred accusations of politic grandstanding, ignorance and selfishness. Anchorage Daily News, 31 July 2021 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • At the same time, Charles must carefully navigate diplomatic sensitivities to avoid straining the U.K.’s relationship with its other key North American ally — the United States.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • Since late November, the group had reported being constantly watched by intelligence agents and police outside the diplomatic residence.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • Washington State's prudent financial governance stands in stark contrast to Washington DC's struggle with fiscal discipline.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In each case, Simon stresses that best-available player not only is the safest approach but also the most prudent.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Storm reached the bottom rope to a polite pop from Glendale.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Sometimes the threat of a fine can produce better results than a polite request.
    Gary Singer, Sun Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The second quality is psychological: his tactical reading of the game.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Relying on a single revenue stream, funding partner or tactical approach is increasingly risky.
    Kirsten Wegner, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Mutual understanding of individual work styles fosters a more effective and respectful team environment.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Antetokounmpo seemed to take exception to the towel waving, perceiving it as taunting, and engaged in what seemed like a stern but respectful back-and-forth.
    Amos Morale III, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Considering Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson and T.J. Watt are all in line for new deals soon, getting something done with Hutchinson sooner rather than later would be wise.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Which is wiser: Spending money on more firefighting resources after wildfires break out and absorbing the extraordinary cost of damages, or investing in technologies and training to prevent wildfires from happening in the first place?
    Abhishek Singh, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Competence: Intelligent, dependable, wise, principled, conscientious • Sophistication: Elegant, composed, worldly, confident, tactful • Ruggedness: Tough, athletic, sturdy, outdoorsy, reliable Most businesses focus on a couple of these.
    Sabine Leveiller, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • There are tactful ways to address these dilemmas without creating unnecessary drama.
    Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There is no obvious spot for two more games on the opening weekend that would provide a desirable, exclusive TV window.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Dear Liz: My husband and I built a home on a hillside over 30 years ago in a desirable neighborhood with a beautiful view.
    Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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