Definitions

polite

[puh-lahyt] / pəˈlaɪt /

ADJECTIVE

mannerly, civilized

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable amiable attentive civil conciliatory considerate cordial courteous courtly deferential diplomatic friendly genteel gentle good-natured gracious neighborly pleasant respectful sociable sympathetic thoughtful well-behaved well-mannered

WEAK

amenable bland complaisant concerned condescending cultured elegant mild nice obliging obsequious polished politic punctilious refined smooth solicitous urbane well-bred

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aloof antagonistic callous cold cool disagreeable discourteous disrespectful hateful heedless impolite inattentive inconsiderate mean nasty rough rude surly thoughtless uncaring uncivil unfeeling unfriendly unkind unmannerly unmindful unpleasant unrefined unsociable

WEAK

uncivilized unsophisticated

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.

But Harare abruptly brought forward the halt by 10 months after it noticed a suspicious scramble by mining firms to rush out production and exports, Mining Minister Polite Kambamura said earlier this month.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Polite circles are not known for their oil reserves.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Polite nods in both directions were the order of the day.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

Polite, who once previously served as a corporate chief compliance officer himself, also oversaw policy changes aimed at better policing corporate misconduct and encouraging cooperation with the government.

From Reuters • Aug. 7, 2023

“The guy is looney,” Belle said thoughtfully, “but also generally polite. Polite is always worth something.”

From "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead

Vocabulary lists containing polite

Real Nice!

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"Kids Like Me: Voices of the Immigrant Experience"

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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

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