CHIVALROUS Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil , courteous , gallant , and polite . While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior. // a chivalrous display of duty

Q: When would 'civil' be a good substitute for 'chivalrous'?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness. // owed the questioner a civil reply

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

The words courteous and chivalrous 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 are the words 'gallant' and 'chivalrous' related?

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 could 'polite' be used to replace 'chivalrous'?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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

chivalrous

adjective

ˈshi-vəl-rəs

Definition of chivalrous next

as in noble

having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature still engages in chivalrous behavior, such as holding doors for people

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How does the adjective chivalrous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of chivalrous are civil, courteous, gallant, and polite. While all these words mean "observant of the forms required by good breeding," chivalrous suggests high-minded and self-sacrificing behavior.

a chivalrous display of duty

When would civil be a good substitute for chivalrous?

The synonyms civil and chivalrous are sometimes interchangeable, but civil often suggests little more than the avoidance of overt rudeness.

owed the questioner a civil reply

When is it sensible to use courteous instead of chivalrous?

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

clerks who were unfailingly courteous to customers

How are the words gallant and chivalrous related?

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 could polite be used to replace chivalrous?

In some situations, the words polite and chivalrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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

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 chivalrous Given his chivalrous nature, Garnett confined his combativeness during a midweek practice to an emphatic arm swing after beating Bruins center Lauren Betts with a move ending in a layup. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2024 That chivalrous act created an unbreakable bond between the couple, even though something always seemed to be pulling them apart: work, relationships with other people, living in opposite locations on the map. —

Taiia Smart Young, Essence, 14 Feb. 2024 Smith said callers to his show have argued Mosby’s testimony, while damaging, was chivalrous. —

Emily Opilo, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2024 His directness, coupled with a vain attempt to save/redeem the drones working the phone lines, comes across as chivalrous in the face of such dishonorable behavior. —

Peter Debruge, Variety, 10 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for chivalrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for chivalrous

Adjective

But as his latest shows, noble principles about the protection of wildlife and animals don’t automatically translate to a good screenplay or a watchable movie.

— Tomris Laffly, Variety, 17 Jan. 2025
For spring 2025, Loro Piana switched its focus from cashmere to linen, crowned as the noble fiber of the season.

— Luisa Zargani, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025