pleasantry

noun

pleas·​ant·​ry ˈple-zᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
Synonyms of pleasantrynext
1
: a humorous act or remark : jest
2
: an agreeable playfulness in conversation : banter
3
: a polite social remark
exchanged pleasantries

Synonyms of pleasantry

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Examples of pleasantry in a Sentence

“how are you” is merely a social pleasantry his after-dinner speeches usually include the sort of gentle pleasantry that raises a chuckle
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The two fellow Arkansas natives exchanged pleasantries for about three minutes before heading to lunch at the Cowboys’ in-house restaurant. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 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 After Frankel stuffed Stacey on a point-blank shot from the slot due to a Boston turnover, Stacey engaged in pleasantries with a pile of Fleet sweaters in front of the blue paint. — Jason Cooke, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026 While most were silent, the few who traded muted pleasantries hushed as the homeowners of the Silver Court Trailer Park commenced their meeting. — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pleasantry was in 1594

Rhymes for pleasantry

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Browse Nearby Words

Pleasanton
pleasantry
please
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Cite this Entry

“Pleasantry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pleasantry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pleasantry

noun
pleas·​ant·​ry ˈplez-ᵊn-trē How to pronounce pleasantry (audio)
plural pleasantries
1
: agreeable playfulness in conversation
2
a
: a humorous act or speech
b
: a light or casual polite remark
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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