mannerly

adjective

ˈma-nər-lē How to pronounce mannerly (audio)
Definition of mannerlynext
as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners a mannerly child is welcome everywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 mannerly Although Roberts is presumably gratified, too, history’s little joke is that the President currently enjoying this generous new interpretation of his powers is surely not the mannerly, norm-abiding Republican Roberts had in mind decades ago. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026 Please tell me the mannerly requirements with regard to the note and anything else related to her retirement. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026 Still, to sit opposite him at a small table is just a bit like being hooked to a polygraph, despite his air of mannerly warmth. — Fred Schruers, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026 The most mannerly thing would be to pass the requests on to your sons and their wives. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mannerly
  1. polite
  2. gracious
Adjective
  • But making eye contact during conversation has functions that go beyond being polite.
    — Terry Ward, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Get to Know the Employees A polite conversation can go a long way, especially in a city like mine, where people usually expect a conversation with a stranger to go poorly.
    — Aliyah Rodriguez, The Spruce, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • Ask for clarity while staying gracious and fully present in the exchange.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Iwanaga, gracious in defeat, expressed happiness and a desire to learn from the experience.
    — Zach Schenfisch, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of gracious

Browse Nearby Words

mannerliness
mannerly
manners
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Cite this Entry

“Mannerly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mannerly. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mannerly

Nglish: Translation of mannerly for Spanish Speakers

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