Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective courteous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of courteous are chivalrous, civil, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

When can chivalrous be used instead of courteous?

While in some cases nearly identical to courteous, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

Where would civil be a reasonable alternative to courteous?

The words civil and courteous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related as synonyms of courteous?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When could polite be used to replace courteous?

The meanings of polite and courteous largely overlap; however, polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

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 courteous Most of my colleagues are passionate and courteous people so will often try to respond to as many questions as possible. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 In a 2021 episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Kemper shared that her then-toddler son Matthew had started talking and kept his vocabulary extremely courteous. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 17 June 2025 In a largely courteous gathering of a half dozen of California’s top gubernatorial candidates, four Democrats and two Republicans agreed that despite the state boasting one of the world’s largest economies, too many of its residents are suffering because of the affordability crisis in the state. Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 However, both players were courteous at the beginning and end of the day. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteous
Adjective
  • The mother is friendly and the son is quiet and polite.
    Rebecca Chace July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • If a client goes quiet, a polite but firm follow-up message outlining next steps can nudge resolution.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The man was gifted, gracious, often generous and seldom mean-spirited.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2025
  • But goodness gracious, the Rockies are only (14-36) under Schaeffer after going 7-33 under Black.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on courteous

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