COURTESY Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

courtesy

noun

ˈkər-tə-sē

Definition of courtesy

as in kindness

an act of kind assistance did me the courtesy of loaning me his jacket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gesture

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners the greeting "How are you?" is often intended as no more than a courtesy

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in attentiveness

speech or behavior that is a sign of good breeding a woman who responds to every situation with courtesy and kindness

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 courtesy The Jays will gain two extra roster spots Tuesday, courtesy of September expansion. — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 That copy as well as an early printing of what would become the Bill of Rights, are currently on view at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, courtesy of Griffin. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Hansen and his partners repeatedly raised concerns that he had never been contacted about the use of his name and likeness, even as a courtesy, before production was completed. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Image courtesy One&Only Aesthesis Even the golf carts get the high-fashion treatment for a surprisingly chic ride around the resort. — Stephanie Orma, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courtesy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesy

Noun

If someone consistently behaves with kindness, generosity, and consideration, even when these behaviors require effort or self-restraint, their motives may be less important than their actions.

— Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The singer was so well known for helping out that fake stories are hard to refute, because even extraordinary acts of kindness sound like something Parton would do.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of kindness

Noun

Studying the effects of this fluctuating luminescence on interpreting gesture may tell us whether speech has significant benefits around an evening campfire.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
After both drivers made hand gestures at each other, the unidentified victim drove to a house in Poolville, and Jones followed, the release stated.

— Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

The opening up to the friendship with Renata, the attentiveness with Luis, and not being set on killing Negan are monumental changes for her.

— Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
Thanks to the controller’s attentiveness, a possible mid-air collision may have been prevented, especially if the pilots operating the individual planes thought the controller was giving them the same flight instructions.

— Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of attentiveness

Noun

Treasury yields moved lower across the curve on Thursday, as traders look ahead to key services and jobs data for more insights into the domestic economic picture following a sharp sell-off in global bond markets.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Strong companies may begin with electric-fleet operations, depot management, charging, maintenance, logistics or mobility services and evolve toward autonomous-ready infrastructure.

— John Gabriel, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of service

Noun

Even as the identity of the South evolves, and more young people lose certain traits that are identifiably southern, manners remain one of the region’s most distinctive and steadfast qualities.

— Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
Beneath Lamb’s unkempt appearance, crude manners, noxious flatulence, and stinging remarks lies one of the sharpest minds in MI5 and a man fiercely protective of his brood of misfits.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of manners

Noun

His life has been intertwined with money, business, politics and privilege — for better or worse.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Despite this, and no matter their individual circumstances or histories, the former in-group felt that they were expected to express shame over their privilege.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of privilege

Noun

And now [the rest] has to be curated in a way with some thoughtfulness and planning.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026
The unusual ceremony quickly drew reactions online, with many commenters praising the crew on their thoughtfulness and congratulating the newlyweds on their happy occasion.

— Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of thoughtfulness

Browse Nearby Words

courtesies

courtesy

courting

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

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Synonyms of courtesy

noun

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