seemly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce seemly (audio)
Definition of seemlynext
1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seemly

2 of 2

adverb

as in appropriately

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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 seemly
Adverb
Another picture, taken outside, seemly showed the next step in the construction process. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seemly
  1. polite
  2. beautiful
  3. appropriately
  4. proper
  5. attractive
  6. fittingly
  7. decorous
  8. handsome
Adjective
  • Tonight's format, with Georgians asking the questions of candidates, meant a very polite back-and-forth between Jackson and Bottoms dominated the first half of the debate.
    — AJC.com, AJC.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Cagle added that the photo showed a confident, brilliant, brave, polite, gracious, kind and gentle young man.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • With that, Dorinda gathers everyone (except for Chanel Ayan, who is too beautiful for the cold) out into the freezing night for the fireworks that end this celebration.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, this celestial crustacean has no star brighter than 4th magnitude and its only claims to fame are its membership in the zodiac and beautiful M44.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • The credit ecosystem will continue to recognize these human achievements, while finding ways to appropriately recognize the contributions of their AI collaborators.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Regulation and governance will be an ongoing project, so budget appropriately for that.
    — John Bruggeman, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • Months later, a report found the state hadn't complied with its own lethal injection process since its revision in 2018, resulting in executions being conducted without proper testing of the drugs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Guadagnino speaks in calligraphy; adjectives almost certainly accompany a proper name — the extraordinary, the wonderful, the genius.
    — E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • The Bridgewater Associates founder told CNBC equities have so far weathered the global bond sell-off because earnings growth has kept expected stock returns attractive, relative to bonds.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • This is why smaller logistics companies are becoming an attractive alternative to legacy providers.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • There's a fittingly witchy gift shop filled with all sorts of tchotchkes and collectibles, including spell books, tarot cards, cups for reading tea leaves, and a selection of history books.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The first points at the new Ryan Field went to — fittingly enough — the Wildcats when Jackson Kleather booted a 50-yarder between the uprights to cap off Northwestern's maiden drive in their new home.
    — Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t go looking for hushed tones, decorous silence or the other traditions of a sport whose roots exist on the hallowed lawns of polite society.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, dark-wood bas reliefs and miles of Norwegian green marble (Enigma Verde Lapponia) are the handsome hallmarks of design studio Autoban (famous for London’s Duck & Rice and Baku airport’s extraordinary makeover).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Alessi 5009/15 Bottle Coaster Looking for a handsome housewarming gift?
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of handsome

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Cite this Entry

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

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