politesse

noun

Definition of politessenext
as in politeness

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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 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
  1. politeness
  2. gentility
  3. civility
  4. etiquette
  5. graciousness
  6. courtesy
  7. decorum
  8. dignity
Noun
  • She’s used to chief stews who yell and is thrown off by Aesha’s politeness.
    — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Southworth started focusing more specifically on civility, decency, and politeness after COVID, when many employees were fleeing the hospitality industry—all while the membership at their clubs was doubling.
    — Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Definition of politeness
Noun
  • At Montage Big Sky, a 139-room wood-and-stone main structure dispenses with antler chandeliers and wagon wheels in favor of easygoing American gentility.
    — Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026
  • Before the yuppie era, a certain staid gentility prevailed.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Definition of gentility
Noun
  • But most of us have been around long enough to miss things such as bipartisanship among lawmakers and general civility.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Joe Biden, a link to a bygone era of civility and bipartisanship, ran in 2020 on a message of restoring the soul of America.
    — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of civility
Noun
  • Hikers have been up in arms over Wales’ 1,085m summit for years, with mixed views over the etiquette of accessing Snowdonia’s best views.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The close quarters on planes and variable public views on appropriate flight etiquette are a recipe for tension.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of etiquette
Noun
  • 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
  • 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 graciousness
Noun
  • Arsenal won 1-0 at Manchester United courtesy of a set piece, and Liverpool looked far too open in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, for whom Antoine Semenyo starred.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Jumping on Reds starter Chase Burns, the Giants scored two runs in the first and three more in the second, courtesy of a three-run bomb from Rafael Devers to the deepest part of Oracle Park, in a 5-0 win to open a seven-game homestand.
    — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of courtesy
Noun
  • These rules are set to maintain decorum, determine the will of the majority, preserve the rights of the minority, and facilitate the orderly transaction of business.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Individual rights and political scientists are raising questions about the Tarrant County Commissioners Court decorum policy that led to the arrest of two people.
    — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of decorum
Noun
  • Bhargavendra Singh walked with dignity at their head, making a ceremony of the affair.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of dignity

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Cite this Entry

“Politesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politesse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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