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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polite

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 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 civil Deadpool & Wolverine star Ryan Reynolds has been named to receive the Order of Canada, the country’s top civil honor. —

Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Dec. 2024 In its least manageable moments, early motherhood must feel like an unpaid job with no breaks, an inarticulate boss and working conditions designed to strip all that’s civil from one’s sense of self. —

Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 The federal civil case is against the school board, Superintendent Tracey Miller and board members Todd Wells, Tim DuFau, Robert Wooten, Jonathan Zimmerman and Amy Story. —

Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024 Indianapolis Star Former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, who unsuccessfully ran for governor this year, will stand trial next week in a civil lawsuit accusing him of groping four women at a party following the end of the 2018 legislative session. —

Brittany Carloni, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for civil

Recent Examples of Synonyms for civil

Adjective

The growth in automobile sales, airline and bus travel, subsidized highways, civil unrest in ’67 and ’68, and white flight to the suburbs all took a toll on national and local rail demand.

Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
But despite the significant decline, home prices in California remain much higher than at the national level, where the median price of a home was $430,010 in November, according to Redfin's data.

Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024