courted

Definition of courtednext
past tense of court
1
as in wooed
to act so as to make (something) more likely you're courting disaster if you keep playing with matches

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2
as in dated
to go on dates that may eventually lead to marriage they courted for a year before getting married

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of courted Marc Anthony has long been courted for a Las Vegas residency, as much for his star power, as for his long history with the city and with the icons associated with it, including Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026 Among them was deciding where to take Elle Fanning’s character, American actress Rachel Kemp, who is creatively courted at a French film festival by auteur filmmaker Gustav Borg, played by best supporting actor nominee Stellan Skarsgard. Simon Thompson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 Mercy Culture has courted controversy and gained influence in some conservative circles with its often-divisive rhetoric and ambition. Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026 Local officials have courted data centers because of huge capital investments and the spike in construction jobs. Kayla Branch, The Frontier, 3 Feb. 2026 The league has courted overseas markets for nearly two decades, staring with a game in London in 2007. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026 Michelle Mao was courted to play Rosamund Li, Araminta's eldest daughter (and in many ways, mini-me) who is eager to marry this season. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 The league has courted influencers and creators such as MrBeast and YouTuber IShowSpeed (who has some 50 million followers), giving them access to players and behind-the-scenes material that help drive interest among Gen Z viewers, who had been steadily losing interest in the game. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 28 Jan. 2026 Pratt’s older half sibling on his mother’s side, Kristin, has never been in the spotlight, but his younger sister, Stephanie, actively courted it. Rachel Brodsky, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courted
Verb
  • Full of enticing design elements inside and out, the 5,608-square-foot home might have wooed buyers the most with its statement-making fireplaces, lovely wallpapers and tiles, or charming arched doorways and windows.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026
  • In her October 2024 Netflix stand-up special, Single Lady, filmed at performances of her Single Lady Tour, Wong revealed how Hader wooed her post-divorce, and what eventually convinced her to succumb to his advances.
    Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The new letter to the state, dated, February 4, 2026, was addressed to Susan Fracasso Rapid Response Coordinator Connecticut Department of Labor, Wethersfield.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Analysts say $70,000 is a key level to watch as the digital asset’s downturn deepens, according to a Citi note to clients dated Tuesday.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese invited Herzog to visit as a gesture of unity with Jewish Australians after 15 people were killed at a Hanukkah festival near Sydney’s Bondi Beach – the worst terror attack committed in the country.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The party also has gained the reputation as a celebrity hotspot, promising the possibility that attendees might get to spot star athletes, rappers, film and TV A-listers and top influencers, given that they’ve been invited to the party to add star wattage.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Courted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courted. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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