POLITESSE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

politesse

noun

Definition of politesse

as in politeness

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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 politesse Not to mention the politesse of the ball requires these small exchanges. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 And indeed, by that time, there was little need for such politesse. — Charlie Tyson, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 Even today, when people complain that much of the excitement of live bidding has disappeared, salesrooms at the major auction houses retain a singular atmosphere of politesse and extortion. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 Her social politesse transforms into a maternal fury and the air turns blue with inventive insults. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for politesse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for politesse

Noun

There’s a certain kind of gentility and politeness, and then on the flip side, dark humor and grotesquerie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
Is the nation’s vaunted politeness actually just passive-aggressiveness?

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of politeness

Noun

Neil Fuentes, a founder of the New Haven Academy of Performing Arts and the artistic director of Broadway on Main, brings an uncommon gentility and hearty spirit to the character of Murray the Cop.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Sep. 2026
There’s a certain kind of gentility and politeness, and then on the flip side, dark humor and grotesquerie.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of gentility

Noun

The civility of the evening was evident to former Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer, who has been a member of Congregation B’nai Israel for more than 40 years.

— Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Walking and chatting with the blind man seemed to me the best possible introduction to Toronto, its temper, its welcome, its civility.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of civility

Noun

Now the older generation is scolding workers for having a different view on interview etiquette without recognizing the cold reality of today’s job market.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Interview etiquette remains increasingly contentious, as recruiters disagree on which rules to keep.

— Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of etiquette

Noun

The service Staff are relaxed and friendly, and maintain a casual environment without skimping on graciousness.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
There’s a graciousness that runs through these evenings spent with their friends at dinners and happy hours before meals out, with each moment spent together as much a cause for celebration as the event itself.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of graciousness

Noun

Offered with a six-month complimentary trial, the membership paves the way for future savings — courtesy of its cash-back bonuses on eligible buys.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Then about five years ago, Bob discovered his next obsession — courtesy of the Rolling Stones.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Skarsgård’s performance completely anchors the gradual descent from decorum to disorder.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
In a statement, the Libertarian Party of Tarrant County voiced its support of the plaintiffs and called the decorum policy a step in the direction of censorship.

— Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of decorum

Noun

The safety and dignity of more than two million civilians cannot continue to be held hostage to the decisions of Hamas, much less the machinations of internal Israeli politics.

— KHALED ELGINDY, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026
That doesn't stop him from treating the situation with dignity and empathy and respect.

— Lilia Luciano, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of dignity

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“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of politesse

noun

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