Thesaurus results for COURTESAN

courtesan

noun

ˈkȯr-tə-zən

as in prostitute

a woman who engages in sexual activities for money the protagonist of the novel is a composite of several real-life courtesans who plied their trade among the decadent aristocracy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 courtesan An age-old, decidedly protean legend of an illicit love affair between Prince Salim (who ascended the throne as Jahangir) and a courtesan named Anarkali took its most recognizable form in the 1922 Urdu-language stage play Anarkali by Imtiaz Ali Taj. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Mar. 2026 The colorful artworks largely depict the sensual hedonistic lifestyles of city dwellers including merchants, courtesans and kabuki actors. —

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Brents said the Sheri Ranch courtesans’ effort is significant in a stigmatized industry in which its workers historically lay low and stay quiet. —

Jessica Hill, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026 Marquise de Merteuil, betrayed by Valmont, embarks on a daring journey to become Paris’ leading courtesan. —

Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for courtesan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtesan

Noun

The chant, a one-word slur that literally means male prostitute in Spanish, usually occurs when the opposing goalkeeper takes a goal kick.

— Carlos Rodriguez, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
Sickert is showcased here for both his impressionistic instincts and his portrayal of previously taboo art subjects such as prostitutes and the impoverished.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026