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.

Robinson has urged his attendees not to wear masks or drink excessive alcohol, and to be "peaceful and courteous".

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 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

And, he added, we do still need to encourage passengers to be courteous to flight crews and each other.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

We all express thanks to our server, who offers a courteous nod before she departs.

From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day

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