be civil
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In some cases, reconciliation might be partial - being able to go to the same family functions and be civil, for example.
From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2026
He tries to be civil, but he’s organically obnoxious.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2025
“It is supposed to be civil detention, but… it is a jail,” Michael Lukens of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, told NBC News in March.
From Salon ● Jun. 24, 2025
The church takes pains to keep its official positions apolitical, and last weekend, one of its senior leaders, Dallin H. Oaks, encouraged members to be civil ahead of the November election.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2024
Duane tried to be civil, but in truth, he felt a little spooked, so he quickened his pace more and more until soon he was running away.
From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el
