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

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

Braking performance comes courtesy of Gale Speed calipers, a Kustom Tech master cylinder, and custom in-house caliper brackets.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
While both the primary and secondary suites live on the main level, an ascending staircase leads you up to a dedicated workspace and additional sleeping accommodations courtesy of a sleeper sofa.

— Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

O’Connell appeared to joke about the marathon applause with Boyle, prompting laughs from his co-stars Claire Foy and Pearce.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Its format — multi-cam, laugh-tracked, with the occasional fourth-wall-breaking aside — is one that would have been in vogue when Martin originally aired.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Indeed, at lunch, instead of separating into groups to eat, all 16 participants form one mega table and spend the half-hour joking and laughing together.

— Ellise Shafer, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Many readers — some likely joking — shared their grievances with Elmo.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

pleasantries

pleasantry

please

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

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Synonyms of pleasantry

noun

Example Sentences

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