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 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 Meanwhile, as the early promise of a coronavirus-free summer has given way to new mask mandates and other restrictions, public hostility toward vaccine holdouts has spurred accusations of politic grandstanding, ignorance and selfishness. Anchorage Daily News, 31 July 2021 Even the ever-politic Hough couldn't come to the animal rescue for the second week. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2020 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • The warnings suggest a growing concern that US immigration enforcement practices are inconsistent, even toward citizens of countries with close diplomatic ties and longstanding visa-waiver agreements.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Meng's arrest resulted in a diplomatic chill between the two countries, and Kovrig and Spavor weren't released until Meng was allowed to return to China in 2021 in what was widely viewed as a de facto prisoner exchange.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Since sector performance generally rotates as the economy moves through different phases, broad sector exposure is a prudent hedge against unpredictable shifts in the market.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Magic Mountain crews had hoped to fix Superman: Escape from Krypton when the coaster closed for maintenance in September, but the necessary parts weren’t readily available and the most prudent option was to permanently close the ride, according to Harris.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Letting your friend know their deodorant is a little weak is a direct but still polite way to encourage them to freshen up.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Some people are strangely triggered and less than polite, especially men and people with migraines who seem to hate it.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Victor Osimhen has been highlighted as the ideal tactical fit for United thanks to his ability to do what Ruben Amorim’s side have particularly struggled at: putting the ball in the back of the net.
    Ali Rampling, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • While others juggled safety cars, strategy gambles, and crumbling tyre sets, the 24-year-old turned tactical advantage into a masterclass.
    Kanzah Maktoum, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the guardians, while respectful of Nick's commander status, insist on recording the incident.
    EW.com, EW.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Keith continued, admonishing his crowd and reminding them to be respectful not only to him, but to their fellow concertgoers.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Word to the wise: the end credits are more like a Marvel movie as they are interrupted by a longish extra scene that includes a special cast member, blues legend Buddy Guy, plus yet another musical number at the end of credits.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Getting another running back on Day 3 is a wise move, and getting Deion Sanders into the Cowboys’ stratosphere at No. 239 will certainly make Jerry Jones smile.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There are tactful ways to address these dilemmas without creating unnecessary drama.
    Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Written by Celia Marks and a team of editors at Southern Living Magazine, the party cookbook is brimming with sensible, tactful advice about issuing invitations, entertaining in limited spaces and seating arrangements.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Teamwork, socialization, and other types of in-person connection are what workers cite as the most desirable aspects of choosing an office over working from home.
    Ryan Anderson, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Located just west of K-7 Highway and south of College Boulevard, Prairie Canyon is set in one of the most desirable locations, blending scenic beauty with easy access to local amenities.
    Prime Development, Kansas City Star, 13 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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