Definitions

courteous

[kur-tee-uhs] / ˈkɜr ti əs /

ADJECTIVE

gentle, mannerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable attentive civil civilized considerate courtly gracious polite respectful soft-spoken thoughtful well-behaved well-mannered well-spoken

WEAK

ceremonious complaisant cultivated debonair elegant gallant genteel polished refined suave urbane well-bred

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discourteous disrespectful heedless impolite inattentive inconsiderate mean rude thoughtless uncivil unkind unmannerly unmindful unrefined

WEAK

bad-mannered uncourteous

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.

Another took a similar courteous tone: “Erica, queen of them all… please let the mister give it one more go!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Agents have also spoken positively of their dealings with Viana, describing him as straightforward and courteous.

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

"It's a perfect, simple, sober homage" to not only a talented artist but a "courteous, splendidly refined" person, said Giulia Carraro, 75, a former personal assistant who moved in his circle.

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

Mrs. Olinski thought, when people come to tea, they are courteous.

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg

Vocabulary lists containing courteous

The Diary of Anne Frank

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