Figures to be polite (5)
I believe the answer is:
civil
'be polite' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for civil that I've seen before include "(Of law) non-criminal" , "Relating to citizens" , "Mannerly" , "Nonviolent refusal to obey laws" , "Courteous, polite" .)