seemly 1 of 2

adjective

ˈsēm-lē How to pronounce seemly (audio)
Definition of seemlynext
1
as in polite
following the established traditions of refined society and good taste it would not be seemly to use the memorial service as a forum for your political views

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in beautiful
very pleasing to look at a young man of seemly appearance, robust health, and keen intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

seemly

2 of 2

adverb

as in appropriately

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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 seemly
Adverb
Another picture, taken outside, seemly showed the next step in the construction process. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seemly
  1. polite
  2. beautiful
  3. appropriately
  4. proper
  5. attractive
  6. fittingly
  7. decorous
  8. handsome
Adjective
  • The conversations remained cordial, despite vehement disagreements at times, with Talarico and the voters engaging in polite small talk before delving into, at times, heavy topics.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The application moves away from last-minute stress, unwanted items, and polite pretense, establishing a modern channel for intentional giving.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of polite
Adjective
  • The Panthers set up 48 yards from pay dirt and then, a handful of plays later, Young placed a beautiful pass into the hands of a wide-open Tommy Tremble for a touchdown — and also placed the nail in the game’s proverbial coffin.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
  • About half of Faux’s dining room, on my visits, seemed to be occupied by the young and beautiful, perhaps strategizing, over moules bouillabaisse, when to move the party to the bar downstairs.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of beautiful
Adverb
  • Brands also need to price it appropriately and deliver on the customer promise.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The series is set across Munich, Stockholm and, appropriately given the world premiere in Cannes, the French Riviera.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriately
Adjective
  • This should be the proper way to handle things, whenever these idiot artists decide to rant.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Among the errors cited in the August 6 report is a failure to allow proper curing (drying) time for the caulk applied to the expansion joints that separate the basin’s concrete slabs.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of proper
Adjective
  • Cam, Aneha, Malaine Once again, a rizzless man is empowered to choose between two attractive women.
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The recent volatility in the equity markets has created some potentially attractive opportunities for investors willing to look past near-term choppiness.
    — Nick Wells, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of attractive
Adverb
  • Stepping into the band’s lead guitarist role was Nick Johnston, a forceful presence delivering crisp musical phrases that could be fittingly elegant or snarling.
    — Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • That you would be invited to the in-house training program in 2008 was a matter of course, after your fittingly self-confident application.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of fittingly
Adjective
  • What was pell-mell and excited becomes thoughtful and decorous.
    — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Don’t go looking for hushed tones, decorous silence or the other traditions of a sport whose roots exist on the hallowed lawns of polite society.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of decorous
Adjective
  • But many of the film’s most evocative images, often involving groups of soldiers, handsome and glistening and in varying stages of undress, remain just that — images without a strong connection to the larger storytelling.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • But not before Elinor has fallen in love with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s handsome and upstanding brother, during a family visit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of handsome

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Cite this Entry

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

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