CIVIL Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'civil' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: In what contexts can 'chivalrous' take the place of 'civil'?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When is it sensible to use 'courteous' instead of 'civil'?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: How do 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' relate to one another, in the sense of 'civil'?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy. // a gallant suitor of the old school

Q: When can 'polite' be used instead of 'civil'?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality. // if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl

Definition of civil

as in national

of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

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as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

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How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of civil Within a week, Todd Blanche, then the Deputy Attorney General, announced that no criminal civil-rights investigation into Good’s killing would take place. — Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 After Terri hired a lawyer and stopped cooperating with authorities, Desiree filed a civil suit as an investigative tool to depose her and others to get information. — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026 Bartko, who earned degrees in civil engineering and law in Belarus, fled her home country on a student visa to avoid political persecution over her vocal opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 The writer compared the collapse of civil society to a boulder rolling downhill, crushing things in its path. — Kanis Leung, Christian Science Monitor, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for civil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil

Adjective

The national flags of China and New Zealand flutter at Tian'anmen Square on June 19, 2025 in Beijing, China.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Asking this team to go out and win a national title might be a bridge too far, but Florida was a darkhorse Playoff contender this time a year ago.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of national

Adjective

In other words, what happens when their agreeable or polite approach to attaining something doesn’t work?

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Tell us about the crew From the waitstaff in the restaurants to the bartenders to the butler, the crew members were unfailingly polite and helpful.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of polite

Adjective

The gracious master of ceremonies gave me the place of honor in the line-up, directly behind him, with Reiffer and the two shikaris bringing up the rear.

— Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
Walters asks, with a show of reluctance, questions about hillbillies, adolescent development, breast surgeries and her husband — though the singer’s answers are always gracious.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of gracious

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civic

civil

civil court

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“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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What's so 'civil' about 'civil war'?

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