Thesaurus results for PLEASANTRY

pleasantry

noun

ˈple-zᵊn-trē

Definition of pleasantry

as in gesture

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners "how are you" is merely a social pleasantry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in joke

something said or done to cause laughter his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pleasantry The courtroom pleasantries represented a dramatic comedown for a strongman who once ruled Venezuela from a fortified presidential compound. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026 Meanwhile, a terse obituary for Steadman avoided any pleasantries. — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Mariano said of a scene in the first episode, in which newcomers made out with contestants immediately upon entering the villa without exchanging pleasantries. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026 The Reynas and Berhalters, who grew up together and were in each other’s weddings, still might not be exchanging pleasantries or Christmas cards. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry

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

Now the adults are growing up a little bit, and that adds depth to the show but doesn’t sacrifice jokes.

— Emily Gould, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
His cutlery’s subtly unusual proportions manage to be elegant and playful at the same time, like that perfect joke that lands gracefully at a cocktail party, where everyone laughs and nobody chortles.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of joke

Noun

Photo courtesy of Atlanta Police Department Police said Brown had gained the mother's trust over about a year.

— CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Photo courtesy of The Artist Tree California dispensary chain The Artist Tree is expanding its Compassion Program to its Dixon location, where qualified medical cannabis patients can receive free products to help offset the cost of their care.

— A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

Gone was the terror of wondering if the piece that was about to air was going to get big enough laughs from the live audience.

— Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
But that blend of raucous laughs (OK, well, some raucous laughs, some mere attempts at them) and real world concerns makes for an uneasy watch, ping-ponging between moods and tones in unpredictable ways.

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of laugh

Browse Nearby Words

pleasantries

pleasantry

please

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“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of pleasantry

noun

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