as in graceful
having or showing elegance
his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of courtly
And so, despite some emotionally satiating patriotic rhetoric on the campaign trail, Carney was deferential and complimentary to Trump on his courtly visit to the Oval Office shortly after winning the election.
—
Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
For any living room that could use a charming focal point, this number from MacKenzie Childs in its signature courtly check indicates style and design know-how.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
The Tale of Genji ’s early chapters are rooted in fairy-tale monogatari, but the book soon metamorphoses into its own strange thing, a courtly romance that follows Prince Genji over his half century of life, and then, after Genji’s death, takes up the lives of the next generation.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Not long after her wedding to Wu Ding, her father-in-law the king died, and the family was obligated to formally mourn and abstain from courtly life for three years.
—Literary Hub, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for courtly
Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
For any living room that could use a charming focal point, this number from MacKenzie Childs in its signature courtly check indicates style and design know-how.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2025
The Tale of Genji ’s early chapters are rooted in fairy-tale monogatari, but the book soon metamorphoses into its own strange thing, a courtly romance that follows Prince Genji over his half century of life, and then, after Genji’s death, takes up the lives of the next generation.
—Lauren Groff, The Atlantic, 20 Aug. 2025
Not long after her wedding to Wu Ding, her father-in-law the king died, and the family was obligated to formally mourn and abstain from courtly life for three years.
—Literary Hub, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for courtly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtly
Adjective
-
For an encore, Shaham dispatched a tidy, graceful Bourrée and Double from Bach’s B minor Partita (BWV 1002).—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Abelias lose their natural, graceful appearance when pruned or sheared heavily.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
These handsome evergreen shrubs tolerate a range of growing conditions, seamlessly transitioning between sunny beds and shady gardens to provide continuity throughout the garden.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Young at heart Little Bootsie is a handsome 12-year-old, black and white gentleman who proves that age is just a number.—
Arizona Republic,
AZCentral.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Come evening, the space becomes an elegant bar, pouring a shortlist of signature cocktails inspired by the neighborhood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
On the contrary, a living room is a formal room, classically appointed with elegant furnishings—and there’s rarely a television in sight.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jolie Brasserie serves French cuisine using fine local ingredients (think Kyoto Nanatani duck confit to Kumamoto Akaushi steak frites) and is also the venue for breakfast each morning.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
If a healthy player sits, the millionaires are fine and the fans get screwed.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Founded in the 16th century, the Royal Stables are best known for breeding the royal breed of the Andalucían horse, the best of which are showcased in regular breathtaking shows.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Parliamentary debate exposed how one Epstein associate advocated for another’s appointment, sparking calls for greater royal family accountability and institutional reform.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Tilt and the gallant escort was replaced by a boy too traumatized to leave his mother’s side.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
20 Jan. 2026
-
While Son of Hitler takes plenty of creative liberty when the titular character is recruited to assassinate his famous father for the Allies, the fate of the real-life Loret isn’t so gallant.—
Rosemary Counter,
Vanity Fair,
19 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Courtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtly. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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