tactful

[ takt-fuhl ]

/ ˈtækt fəl /

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See synonyms for: tactful / tactfully / tactfulness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having or manifesting tact: a tactful person; a tactful reply.

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Origin of tactful

First recorded in 1860–65; tact + -ful

tact·ful·ly, adverbtact·ful·ness, nounun·tact·ful, adjectiveun·tact·ful·ly, adverb

Miss Manners understands your mother-in-law’s not wanting to put friends and family to work, although she might have found a more tactful way to express it to your wife.
Miss Manners: I feel robbed of my potluck wedding|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|January 14, 2021|Washington Post
The response from the national Kappa KappaGamma organization took a very similar, albeit more tactful, approach.
How Kappa Kappa Gamma Threw A UConn Sorority Sister Under The Bus|Emily Shire|May 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Various media outfits have already praised Beyoncé and Jay Z's tactful approach to their Anne Frank House experience.
Should Beyoncé Have Instagrammed From the Anne Frank House?|Amy Zimmerman|March 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The tactful Hamad manages to patch up relations, and the two are photographed sitting together on a sofa later that day.
Muammar Gaddafi's 25 Strangest Moments|David A. Graham|February 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Similarly, in pop culture, the man who was originally deemed inadequate is lifted to her level through tactful speech.
Sex Advice from Cyrano|Ben Crair|July 23, 2009|DAILY BEAST
I think that is going to change, and the most vivid, tactful demonstration of change is the election of Obama.
Carter's One Regret|Reza Aslan|January 29, 2009|DAILY BEAST
But she was a very tactful person and was about to drop the subject, when Isabel slowly turned her eyes.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
He had tried to soften his reply, but not being politic or tactful had succeeded only in expressing himself more brusquely.
Dorothy at Skyrie|Evelyn Raymond
This, or else a tactful absenteeism, became their custom whenever licencing matters came up to be discussed.
Mushroom Town|Oliver Onions
He felt he had not been tactful, but he was very tired, and if he ventured an explanation might make things worse.
The Girl From Keller's|Harold Bindloss
No one knew how to flatter in so tactful a manner, particularly in portraits of ladies.
The History of Modern Painting, Volume 1 (of 4)|Richard Muther