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 Etna is a sociable fellow, but his conversations with other animals never indulge in pleasantries. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for pleasantry

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pleasantry

Noun

One of the sweetest gestures during the Halloween season in Kansas City comes from one of the sweetest companies in town — Russell Stover.

— Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Still, the gesture sends a clear message that this is Luka's team now.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of gesture

Noun

Many of the stories, interviews and analyses Jake Tapper presents to his followers on CNN rely heavily on moving pictures, courtesy of his employer.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
To add finishing touches to her look, Adams wore a pair of gold statement earrings, along with a cocktail ring courtesy of David Webb.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of courtesy

Noun

White elephant gift exchanges are a holiday party staple, bringing plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition and, of course, the occasional gift-stealing showdown.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Cohen is so naturally funny and quick with improvisation that there are plenty of laughs along the way.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of laugh

Noun

Russell was mentioned in that speech, but in a joking way, playing off of how frequent Oscars director Glenn Weiss, who won for his role helming the 2018 Academy Awards telecast, had used his speech to propose to his then-girlfriend.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of joking

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pleasantry

noun

Example Sentences

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