COURTESY Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

courtesy

noun

ˈkər-tə-sē

Definition of courtesy

as in kindness

an act of kind assistance did me the courtesy of loaning me his jacket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gesture

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners the greeting "How are you?" is often intended as no more than a courtesy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in attentiveness

speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding a woman who responds to every situation with courtesy and kindness

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 courtesy While this is never guaranteed, some banks might do this as a courtesy for otherwise good or loyal customers; simply reach out and ask. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Drivers in downtown Kansas City may soon find a surprise on their windshield, courtesy of the Kansas City Parking Division. — Joseph Hernandez august 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026 The Dolphins were the first to find the end zone courtesy of Achane’s one-yard rush. — Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 The intersection of Japanese and Mediterranean fare, courtesy of the Adalina team. — Chicago Magazine, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courtesy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesy

Noun

At a time filled with so much sadness, your kindness has reminded me that there is still so much good in humanity.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Her flop of a debate performance left her sounding like someone with no vision or kindness — career suicide for someone who has made her reputation on both traits.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

However, there are some experts that see the cut in military drills as a positive gesture, suggesting that if the joint exercises are escalating tensions, then reducing them should lessen the chance of a conflict.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
On April 14, 2020, Cline was a complete unknown; by April 16, millions of viewers had spent 10 full hours absorbing the actress’ every gesture and mannerism, a blast of immersive exposure that generates a whole other level of parasocial intimacy.

— Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

For instance, Sentry works with trucking clients to improve driver ergonomics to enhance attentiveness and focus, which Zernicke says is a high-return-on-investment for fleet operators.

— Sentry Insurance, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Throughout the studies, participants also reported less daytime sleepiness, less frequent muscle weakness, and greater attentiveness.

— Elaine Chen, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of attentiveness

Noun

From ChatGPT and Claude, to autonomous vehicles, to the music streaming services recommend to users – people are interacting with AI regularly.

— Max Darrow, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Vitaly, the neighbor from Horodyshche, said Berezovska’s mother was inconsolable during the service, which was attended by many.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of service

Noun

Beneath Lamb’s unkempt appearance, crude manners, noxious flatulence, and stinging remarks lies one of the sharpest minds in MI5 and a man fiercely protective of his brood of misfits.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
From being able to host an impeccable event at a moment’s notice to showing graciousness in every circumstance to having an impressively clean and organized home, manners and poise come to mind.

— Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of manners

Noun

The two of them seem united by their need to prove themselves in a world of white men afforded the privilege and flexibility to be far more eccentric.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Buy your sweet potatoes early, don't be surprised if the sizes look different than you're used to, and expect to pay a bit more for the privilege.

— Phil Lempert, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of privilege

Noun

For 15 seasons, Nneka has led with grace and conviction, competed with an unmistakable spark, and carried herself with a generosity and thoughtfulness that have earned the admiration of everyone across our game.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
Discussions were led by Smith and David Longo, former chair of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, as well as others who could bring expertise and thoughtfulness to the topic of the day.

— Peter St Onge, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of thoughtfulness

Noun

The music was imbued with grace and dignity in both its most introspective and uplifting moments.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
While Simpson notes that most people, in the face of exhaustion, are given a bit of grace, that same courtesy isn’t always extended to those in the spotlight.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of grace

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courtesies

courtesy

courting

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Style

“Courtesy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtesy. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of courtesy

noun

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