Definitions

courteous

[kur-tee-uhs] / ˈkɜr ti əs /

ADJECTIVE

gentle, mannerly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affable attentive civil civilized considerate courtly gracious polite respectful soft-spoken thoughtful well-behaved well-mannered well-spoken

WEAK

ceremonious complaisant cultivated debonair elegant gallant genteel polished refined suave urbane well-bred

Antonyms

STRONGEST

discourteous disrespectful heedless impolite inattentive inconsiderate mean rude thoughtless uncivil unkind unmannerly unmindful unrefined

WEAK

bad-mannered uncourteous

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.

Another took a similar courteous tone: “Erica, queen of them all… please let the mister give it one more go!”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

During his training, he said he was told he had to be courteous at all times and treat the customers like family.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Remember to be a courteous visitor when viewing wildflowers.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

While we should all try to be courteous and get along, part of maturity is realizing that you won’t click with everyone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

While he was obviously not a progressive man, he was courteous and reasonable, in marked contrast to his predecessor.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Vocabulary lists containing courteous

The Diary of Anne Frank

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Be Nice!

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