tactful

American

[takt-fuhl] / ˈtækt fəl /

adjective

having or manifesting tact.

a tactful person;
a tactful reply.

Related Words

See diplomatic.

Other Word Forms

tactfully adverb
tactfulness noun
untactful adjective
untactfully adverb

Etymology

Origin of tactful

First recorded in 1860–65; tact + -ful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If I’m misreading the situation and you do really like him and want to address this, there are tactful ways to do so.

From MarketWatch

I want to say this in a very tactful way, but the risk of doing this kind of show is that there is a point, I believe, of diminishing returns when we talk about food.

From Los Angeles Times

His films are tactful contemporary explorations of the disparities humans have been grappling with ever since the development of the modern world.

From Salon

They said McLaurin has voiced his concerns and frustrations, but in a tactful way that shows a commitment to the team.

From Washington Times

That is an act of decency, and your “direct responses” are actually pretty tactful.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023