as in graceful
having or showing elegance
his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites
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Recent Examples of courtly
The courtly Time-magazine essayist who described the American Century with wit, outrage, and wry wisdom
By Roger Rosenblatt
Read On
The Seasoned Traveler
Enrique Olvera The Mexican chef behind Cosme and Pujol reveals his travel routine
Read On
Going Anywhere Soon?
—
airmail.news, 7 Dec. 2024
In the video, guests dressed for an Instagrammable, Regency-era ball, while an orchestra played music for courtly dances and Lopez sat on a throne, holding court as her own version of Queen Charlotte.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 25 July 2024
From there, ravioli made its way into the courtly kitchens of the northern provinces.
—Dawn Davis Sharon Radisch Soneela Nankani Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 13 May 2024
At 21, George crossed paths with James I, who also ruled Scotland as King James VI, in August 1614 at Apethorpe, a courtly home in rural Northamptonshire.
—TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for courtly
airmail.news, 7 Dec. 2024
In the video, guests dressed for an Instagrammable, Regency-era ball, while an orchestra played music for courtly dances and Lopez sat on a throne, holding court as her own version of Queen Charlotte.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 25 July 2024
From there, ravioli made its way into the courtly kitchens of the northern provinces.
—Dawn Davis Sharon Radisch Soneela Nankani Emma Kehlbeck Joel Thibodeau, New York Times, 13 May 2024
At 21, George crossed paths with James I, who also ruled Scotland as King James VI, in August 1614 at Apethorpe, a courtly home in rural Northamptonshire.
—TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for courtly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtly
Adjective
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France is a culture of manners, of eloquence, of graceful behavior, as if life itself, from the grandly public to the intimately domestic, were essentially performative, requiring constant self-control.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
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Originally built in 1895, the residence sits on more than three acres and includes a formal garden, a tranquil reflecting pond, and a graceful limestone-domed gazebo.—
Zlata Kozul Naumovski,
Architectural Digest,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Also receiving handsome compensation, though not a CEO, at WWE and UFC owner TKO?—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2025
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Thankfully, Dornan’s handsome features didn’t hamper his acting career in the long run.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Some people prefer more minimal styles and want a midi dress that’s simple and elegant and easy to accessorize.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
-
The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Shortly after a fine break, Journalism had gotten forced toward the rail in the classic Derby crush but was deftly piloted clear by jockey Umberto Rispoli.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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While medium-width sneakers and the occasional flat fit fine, wide-width sandals are usually a requirement.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Meghan Markle is reportedly making a daring choice with her royal titles.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2025
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Prince William can't strip sister-in-law's royal title, but using it may come at a price.—
,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Adjective
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Marvel’s Thunderbolts* brings together a huge ensemble cast for a less gallant take on the MCU.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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Still, the gallant Pascal gets the plum Joan date that starts with a Ferrari ride.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
3 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Courtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtly. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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