be civil

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.

In some cases, reconciliation might be partial - being able to go to the same family functions and be civil, for example.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

They knew civil disobedience must be civil, peaceful resistance peaceful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

“It is supposed to be civil detention, but… it is a jail,” Michael Lukens of the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights, told NBC News in March.

From Salon • Jun. 24, 2025

In other words, be civil, inform yourself, vote, help someone, speak up, take action and be your best self.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

“I don’t want you to do anything but be civil to him and help to the pudding. You’ll give me your advice if I get in a muddle, won’t you?” asked Jo, rather hurt.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott