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

The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight.

— Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
In a gesture of peace, al Sharaa enshrined key rights for Kurds via presidential decree, such as protection of the Kurdish language and recognition of Kurdish holidays.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

Arsenal won 1-0 at Manchester United courtesy of a set piece, and Liverpool looked far too open in a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, for whom Antoine Semenyo starred.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Jumping on Reds starter Chase Burns, the Giants scored two runs in the first and three more in the second, courtesy of a three-run bomb from Rafael Devers to the deepest part of Oracle Park, in a 5-0 win to open a seven-game homestand.

— Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

There was nothing particularly novel about the show’s premise, but the scripts were refreshingly dense with jokes, prioritizing laughs over contrived drama or seasonlong relationship arcs.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
The trooper is conscious, in good spirits and able to have conversations, laugh and smile, according to Sgt.

— Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of laugh

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 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pleasantry

noun

Example Sentences

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