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

The light and warmth and the Count’s courteous welcome seemed to have dissipated all my doubts and fears.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Vocabulary lists containing courteous

The Diary of Anne Frank

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Be Nice!

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