be civil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In some cases, reconciliation might be partial - being able to go to the same family functions and be civil, for example.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

They knew civil disobedience must be civil, peaceful resistance peaceful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

The church takes pains to keep its official positions apolitical, and last weekend, one of its senior leaders, Dallin H. Oaks, encouraged members to be civil ahead of the November election.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2024

In other words, be civil, inform yourself, vote, help someone, speak up, take action and be your best self.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

“You had your chance to be civil and respectful, Mr. Jeffries. Don’t cry to me when this gets out of control.”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro