as in polite
showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners
their customer service department always gives courteous responses, even to rude people
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of courteous
Although it’s technically owned by the chain bookseller Waterstones, a courteous old-world atmosphere reigns.
—
Daphne Merkin, Air Mail, 13 Sep. 2025
Remember, drivers spend hours each day talking with passengers, and sometimes silence is the most courteous option.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
The judge was curt but courteous; a Spanish-language interpreter was available on a large video screen to his right.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
Rather than subtly asking whether an applicant is humble, courteous, and a good listener, this question’s first purpose is gleaning what a student truly cares about.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for courteous
Daphne Merkin, Air Mail, 13 Sep. 2025
Remember, drivers spend hours each day talking with passengers, and sometimes silence is the most courteous option.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2025
The judge was curt but courteous; a Spanish-language interpreter was available on a large video screen to his right.
—Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
Rather than subtly asking whether an applicant is humble, courteous, and a good listener, this question’s first purpose is gleaning what a student truly cares about.
—Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for courteous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courteous
Adjective
-
The place being a Midwestern park, the ghost is by all accounts pretty damn polite.—
Graham Averill,
Outside,
28 Oct. 2025
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Hank’s voice is gentle and polite, but that doesn’t put Aaron at ease.—
Jourdain Searles,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This luxurious property sizzles with gracious elegance and impeccable service, eliciting over-the-top reviews from guests.—
Kathryn Streeter,
USA Today,
24 Oct. 2025
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The fans are really, really gracious and excited.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Courteous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courteous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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