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pleasantries

NOUN

nice remark

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repartee witticism

STRONG

badinage banter humor jest joke levity merriment quip quirk sally squib wit

WEAK

bon mot joking

Antonyms

STRONG

seriousness

WEAK

criticism

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.

He could order in French and exchange pleasantries with an elderly French waiter who seemed to live there.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

The leaders chatted for 10 minutes, exchanging pleasantries and praising each other’s strength.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

They exchanged pleasantries with Mrs. Sutherland, she departed, and the men got straight down to business.

From Slate • Dec. 1, 2025

The tone between Carney and Sheinbaum on Thursday appeared much warmer, with the two exchanging gifts and later pleasantries at a joint news conference.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

Here and there, people acknowledged her presence with a curt nod; but they were busy, all of them at their daily work, and pleasantries were not part of their custom.

From "Gathering Blue" by Lois Lowry