Synonym Chooser

How is the word politic different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of politic are bland, diplomatic, smooth, suave, and urbane. While all these words mean "pleasantly tactful and well-mannered," politic implies shrewd as well as tactful and suave handling of people.

a cunningly politic manager

When could bland be used to replace politic?

The synonyms bland and politic are sometimes interchangeable, but bland emphasizes mildness of manner and absence of irritating qualities.

a bland master of ceremonies

When is diplomatic a more appropriate choice than politic?

While the synonyms diplomatic and politic are close in meaning, diplomatic stresses an ability to deal with ticklish situations tactfully.

a diplomatic negotiator

When might smooth be a better fit than politic?

The words smooth and politic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, smooth suggests often a deliberately assumed suavity.

a smooth salesman

When can suave be used instead of politic?

In some situations, the words suave and politic are roughly equivalent. However, suave suggests a specific ability to deal with others easily and without friction.

a suave public relations coordinator

When is it sensible to use urbane instead of politic?

While in some cases nearly identical to politic, urbane implies high cultivation and poise coming from wide social experience.

an urbane traveler

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 politic Fox News is not exactly known for their nuanced (or accurate) takes on politic discourse. refinery29.com, 13 Aug. 2020 Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 For his part, Márki-Zay didn’t give the most politic concession speech. John Fund, National Review, 5 Apr. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for politic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • The Palace manager was asked about Chalobah’s absence in his post-match media conference at Selhurst Park and offered an admirably diplomatic response.
    Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The year ahead in Ukraine has given rise to wild, perhaps wilful, positivity from Kyiv and – publicly at least – in parts of NATO that the incoming Trump White House can effect meaningful, diplomatic change.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • All but one speaker on the matter urged the city away from renewing the deal or encouraged officials to be prudent in any contract decisions.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025
  • If any South Carolina lawmakers are unsure about the need to bring the state’s top marginal income tax rate down further in order to be more competitive, Governor Brian Kemp (R-Ga.) recently demonstrated why Speaker Smith’s proposal is prudent.
    Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • According to a Newsweek article, simple gestures like being polite to airline staff can significantly improve a travel experience.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Ahead of Trump’s swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, he and Melania Trump are expected to be greeted at the White House by Joe and Jill Biden, who will then bring them inside for some tea or coffee and perhaps some polite conversation.
    Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Watkins was found guilty of mobilizing her militia group to storm the Capitol in tactical gear.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • That fight has seen many tactical wins for the SEC, but is marked by a fundamental strategy that has not held up to legal scrutiny.
    Brady Dale, Axios, 20 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This decision reflects our collective commitment to fostering a collaborative, equitable, and respectful work environment.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Leaders should consistently model respectful and inclusive behaviors, demonstrating how to handle conflict constructively while recognizing the contributions of others.
    Sandy Harvey, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For example, tying the knot on the same weekend as the Super Bowl in the city where the event is taking place may not be wise, as hotel availability will likely be limited and room rates may be much higher than normal.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Back then, wise Israelis counseled that to remain an occupying power over an understandably angry people was not only morally repugnant, but could erode Israel's own society.
    Max Rodenbeck, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Being tactful helps to maintain positive relationships and ensures that ideas are communicated without causing unnecessary friction.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • But there’s a tactful way of doing most everything, and that includes quitting in the face of adversity.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Statement outerwear paired down with a classic T-shirt and wide denim or cargo pants felt very Dolce and interestingly desirable.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Jan. 2025
  • French football’s focus on youth development has created players who possess traits that are highly desirable to Premier League sides.
    Jacob Whitehead, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near politic

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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