pleasantry
Light social remark
A pleasantry is a polite or amiable remark made in casual conversation—the kind of friendly but inconsequential exchange that eases social interaction: We exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business.
Pleasantries often feel formulaic: comments about weather, health, or weekend plans.
The word can carry a faint note of dismissiveness, suggesting talk that's agreeable but empty.
Humorous statement seeking laughter
- quipBrief, clever remark
- witticismClever, amusing remark
- jestHumorous remark or act
- reparteeQuick, clever conversation
wisecrack · bon mot · teasing · ribbing · joshing · badinage · raillery · persiflage
Expression of welcome
- salutationExpression of goodwill
- helloCommon spoken greeting
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
- complimentWords expressing approval
nicety · civility · small talk · chitchat · remark · comment · expression · formality
Warm, friendly disposition
- genialityWarmth of manner
- cordialitySincere friendly warmth
- warmthHeat you feel
- friendlinessWarm, welcoming disposition
graciousness · amiability · courteousness · congeniality · good nature · charm · politeness · tact
Casual social interaction
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
- receptionAct of receiving guests
gathering · mixer · party · introduction · handshake · meet-and-greet · socializing · rapport
joke
Humorous statement seeking laughter
repartee · wisecrack · bon mot · teasing · ribbing · joshing · badinage · raillery · persiflage · drollery
greeting
Expression of welcome
- salutationExpression of goodwill
- helloCommon spoken greeting
- welcomeHospitable greeting offered
compliment · nicety · civility · small talk · chitchat · remark · comment · expression · formality · courtesy
affability
Warm, friendly disposition
- genialityWarmth of manner
- cordialitySincere friendly warmth
- warmthHeat you feel
friendliness · graciousness · amiability · courteousness · congeniality · good nature · charm · politeness · tact · diplomacy
mingling
Casual social interaction
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
reception · gathering · mixer · party · introduction · handshake · meet-and-greet · socializing · rapport · camaraderie
- greetingshi, hello, hey, hola, aloha
- conversation elementssmall talk, gossip, chitchat, banter, greeting
- table-talkchat, banter, gossip, small talk, chitchat
- courtesiesthank you, thanks, sorry, excuse me, pardon
- witticismsquips, witticisms, witticism, bon mots, bon mot
- Clichéscliche, platitude, bromide, chestnut, hackneyed saying
pleasantryinsult
Offensive remark or action
criticism · barb · slight · put-down · cutting remark
pleasantrygravity
Mutual mass attraction
solemnity · seriousness · tragedy · grimness · somberness
pleasantryconfrontation
Direct hostile encounter
hostility · antagonism · conflict · discord · friction
- pleasant surpriseUnanticipated positive occurrence
- pleasantly surprisedReaction to welcome news
- pleasant dreamsWish for restful sleep
pleasant, unpleasant, pleasantly, pleasantness, unpleasantness, unpleasantly, pleasantries