CHIVALROUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When would 'civil' be a good substitute for 'chivalrous'?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

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

The words courteous and chivalrous 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 are the words 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' related?

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 could 'polite' be used to replace 'chivalrous'?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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

chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs

Definition of chivalrous

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

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How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

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

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

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 could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 chivalrous That’s who was more chivalrous. — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2026 The maid, in Pistol’s chivalrous estimation, belonged to their lowly number. — Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026 And as the Sheriff called by Ludie to track Carrie down, Lance Arthur Smith is warm, soft-spoken and chivalrous. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 And both the book and the film offered historically nonsensical versions of the Klan as an honorable and chivalrous group fighting for social justice and the virtue of white womanhood. — Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chivalrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalrous

Adjective

At least that bad-optics outburst, while insubordinate, had something noble at its basis.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Villa Celimontana dates to the 16th century, when it was developed as a noble residence on Caelian Hill, one of the seven hills of ancient Rome.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of noble

Adjective

But there may be little anyone–government or corporate–can do to persuade people to have children amid greater economic uncertainty.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
From travel dresses to a lightweight sweater, here are 14 items from Quince’s Workwear Edit that would look great on you on your next flight, starting at $20.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.

— Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026

Definition of gallant

Adjective

This isn’t unusual for the agency; in April, USPS raised prices by 8% due to higher fuel costs.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning that applies to more than 1 million people in San Diego County, mostly across inland valleys, foothills and mountains where high temperatures will approach or exceed 95 to 114 degrees.

— Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of high

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chivalrous

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“Chivalrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chivalrous. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of chivalrous

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