Thesaurus results for PLEASANTRY

pleasantry

noun

ˈple-zᵊn-trē

Definition of pleasantry

as in gesture

an act or utterance that is a customary show of good manners "how are you" is merely a social pleasantry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in joke

something said or done to cause laughter his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 pleasantry The courtroom pleasantries represented a dramatic comedown for a strongman who once ruled Venezuela from a fortified presidential compound. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 July 2026 Meanwhile, a terse obituary for Steadman avoided any pleasantries. — Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 Mariano said of a scene in the first episode, in which newcomers made out with contestants immediately upon entering the villa without exchanging pleasantries. — Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 26 June 2026 The Reynas and Berhalters, who grew up together and were in each other’s weddings, still might not be exchanging pleasantries or Christmas cards. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry

Noun

Nordrum’s expressive eyes setting the scene for what might be the most romantic gesture in literature (and movie) history.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The gestures of moving, being, and breathing coalesced for Kristin as this poem, which emerged from the state of presence that is meditation-in-action.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.

— Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
And the Longhorns’ quarterback, Arch Manning, was the butt of the joke.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of joke

Noun

The rest of the kitchen is pretty in pink, courtesy of a rosy Zia Tile backsplash and mosaic countertops by Concrete Collaborative.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Hell, even recurring characters drop off without so much as the courtesy of a sickening demise.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

But acknowledging a property’s cheesy elements isn’t the same as generating consistent laughs from the situation.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Among the biggest laughs of the ceremony came during Friml’s take on an awards-show in memoriam.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Russell was mentioned in that speech, but in a joking way, playing off of how frequent Oscars director Glenn Weiss, who won for his role helming the 2018 Academy Awards telecast, had used his speech to propose to his then-girlfriend.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

pleasantries

pleasantry

please

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Style

“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pleasantry. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pleasantry

noun

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