politely

[puh-lahyt-lee] / pəˈlaɪt li /

ADVERB

thoughtfully

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amiably attentively cordially gently graciously kindly respectfully tactfully

STRONG

courteously

WEAK

affably agreeably benignantly charmingly civilly compassionately concernedly considerately elegantly gallantly gracefully ingratiatingly kindheartedly sociably solicitously urbanely winningly

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.

Invited to comment on Rayner's remarks to Tuesday night's gathering, Downing Street politely declined.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Officer Manny Gomez politely asked everyone to stay on the sidewalk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

When this happens, I nod politely but think to myself: “You’re wrong.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 6, 2026

Horning said he listened politely, not entirely sure what they were getting at.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

“Fine, thanks,” I say as politely as I can.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko