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 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 See All Example Sentences for politic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for politic
Adjective
  • This means now is a very bad time to undermine our diplomatic capabilities, which is exactly what this will do.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025
  • Doug Thompson Corporate charm and diplomatic poise, Doug wants to keep the peace, protect the brand and make sure nobody throws a punch on camera.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Compliance Simplified One can interpret the intention behind ASC 820 as aiding prudent investment decision making by increasing consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting.
    Tomas Milar, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • In accordance with the new laws that went into effect on July 1, condominium association directors are now able to use their best efforts with community reserve funds to make prudent investment decisions.
    L. Chere Trigg, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Just be polite and point out the issue at checkout.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 July 2025
  • From a software engineering perspective, being polite is a waste of resources.
    Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Office tactical team deputies arrested a man Thursday afternoon following a brief standoff at a house in the Kendale Lakes neighborhood.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 17 July 2025
  • But the Trump administration sent officers from other agencies to Los Angeles, too, including the FBI and special tactical teams from the Department of Homeland Security not widely seen until now. Democrats in California’s Legislature have proposed measures to unmask the federal agents.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • The church continues to serve as a pilgrimage site, and officials plan to keep the process respectful and collaborative, welcoming input from Catholics, Anglicans, and the international community.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 July 2025
  • After protracted and respectful… — Tony Buzbee (@TonyBuzbee2) July 18, 2025 A dismissal with prejudice means Sharpe’s accuser cannot refile the same claim against him in the same Las Vegas court.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • The wise stargazer brings warm clothes, bug spray and snacks — and takes breaks from staring at the sky every 30 minutes or so.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • For investors, is the resolve to assume tariff threats are bluffs and the impact easily handled a wise stance based on lessons learned in the April overshoot sell-off?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Her field notes are animated by sympathetic amusement, a tactful astonishment at the sheer evolutionary peculiarity of this creature.
    A.O. Scott, New York Times, 13 June 2025
  • Competence: Intelligent, dependable, wise, principled, conscientious • Sophistication: Elegant, composed, worldly, confident, tactful • Ruggedness: Tough, athletic, sturdy, outdoorsy, reliable Most businesses focus on a couple of these.
    Sabine Leveiller, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Success, while desirable, can breed complacency and even a sense of entitlement, thus diluting urgency.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • The most desirable 914/4s are early 2.0-liter models, which range from around $30,000 to $100,000.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Politic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/politic. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on politic

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