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Definition of politicnext

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

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 politic Again, the park ranger pondered the most politic response. Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Mar. 2022 That doesn’t always gel with the sardonic remove the writers built into their material, nor the show’s prescient awareness of the sardonic tango of showbiz and politic power, personal branding and the possibility for genuinely populist adoration by those craving relief from being ignored. Chris Jones, chicagotribune.com, 4 Feb. 2022 But some of those friends were decidedly less politic when contacted by a reporter. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2021 Austin, the retired general with the little flag pin on his suit lapel, was the more politic witness. Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 prompted unified Western sanctions, massive military aid, and rhetorical solidarity, but by late 2025, strategic divergences had widened amid battlefield stalemates, economic fatigue, and diplomatic initiatives.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Wang’s annual January tour now looks less like a diplomatic ritual, and more like an exercise in strategic timing.
    Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • For this precancerous, very early-stage breast condition, careful monitoring may be more prudent than immediate surgery, research shows.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026
  • That’s the most prudent path here.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Among her trio of old friends on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, Kate is the polite peacekeeper.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This new designation applies to a system based on the C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport, and the service plans to introduce nine of these aircraft by 2028.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Watson, who Cal-OSHA investigators sought to interview, and Rajinder Gill, a Sutter County Sheriff’s lieutenant, led the tactical teams that participated in the operation during which Rodarte was killed.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Attorney Manuel Carednas, who represented Villegas-Gonzalez in two of those cases, said his client, while undocumented, was respectful, hardworking and compliant with all court instructions regarding his traffic violations.
    Dave Savini, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This said, the movers were very polite and respectful and removed all of the excess packing.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Or similarly, users pointing out that the Ratliff children, when seated three abreast, resemble the three wise monkeys of see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Up in the balcony, even Statler and Waldorf have stopped cracking wise.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Please advise me on a tactful way to address this dear woman.
    Jeanne Phillips, Dallas Morning News, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Or a tactful relative — is there one?
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This technical variation results in a fabric with a number of highly desirable characteristics for denim.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The house features a number of desirable amenities, including a home theater and a pool.
    Marina Watts, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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