CIVIL Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'civil' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

Q: In what contexts can 'chivalrous' take the place of 'civil'?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When is it sensible to use 'courteous' instead of 'civil'?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness. // clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

Q: How do 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' relate to one another, in the sense of 'civil'?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy. // a gallant suitor of the old school

Q: When can 'polite' be used instead of 'civil'?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality. // if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

civil

adjective

ˈsi-vəl

Definition of civil next

as in national

of or relating to a nation the country was not destroyed by outside enemies but by a series of civil wars

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as in polite

showing consideration, courtesy, and good manners please try to be civil to your ex-husband at the upcoming family wedding

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How does the adjective civil contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of civil are chivalrous, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

In what contexts can chivalrous take the place of civil?

In some situations, the words chivalrous and civil are roughly equivalent. However, chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of civil?

The words courteous and civil are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, courteous implies more actively considerate or dignified politeness.

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How do gallant and chivalrous relate to one another, in the sense of civil?

Both gallant and chivalrous imply courteous attentiveness especially to women. Gallant suggests spirited and dashing behavior and ornate expressions of courtesy.

a gallant suitor of the old school

When can polite be used instead of civil?

The words polite and civil can be used in similar contexts, but polite commonly implies polish of speech and manners and sometimes suggests an absence of cordiality.

if you can't be pleasant, at least be polite

Examples of civil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Thomas Robertson had been sentenced to more than seven years in prison after his conviction on charges of obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building, and disorderly conduct. —

Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 4 Sep. 2024 Birdcage veils are the shortest and most popular choice for civil ceremonies or vintage-loving brides seeking a retro touch. —

Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024 According to two civil petitions filed by Olson on Thursday, Aug. 29, Tschida accepted all five affidavits of candidacy for the Benson School District despite observing that each one had incorrect or missing information regarding email addresses for each candidate. —

Susan Lunneborg, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2024 Icahn and his company agreed to pay $1.5 million and $500,000 in civil penalties, respectively, to settle the charges, the SEC said in a statement. —

Lucy Bayly, CNN, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civil

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civil.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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“Civil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/civil. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

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Last Updated: 9 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of civil

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