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
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
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Just like Tarzan’s graceful swing from vine to vine, the elephant graveyard was just a bit of movie script invention.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
2 Mar. 2026
-
It’s estimated that about 100 of the hulking-yet-graceful animals live in the lower stretch of the San Gabriel River, where salt and freshwater commingle.—
Lila Seidman,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Plus visiting Greece in the off-season reveals handsome landscapes without the heat and crowds that summer can bring.—
Katie Silcox,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
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Woodell plays Jay, a charming, handsome and wealthy Catfish alum.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The classic circular design showcases preserved purple blooms with natural texture and a rustic yet elegant aesthetic that complements everything from French country to farmhouse decor.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Mar. 2026
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The tiny shimmering beads are quintessentially bridal; elegant, but not overdone.—
Alexandra Ditch,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Here, The Athletic has the inside story of arguably Parkinson’s finest hour through the lens of the footballer at the heart of his game plan.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Wear it open over a fine sweater or cinched at the waist with a belt .—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The recent arrest of former prince Andrew has left the British royal family in the position of having to explain themselves.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
3 Mar. 2026
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While plot details haven’t been confirmed, the film will reportedly center on Aegon I, the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms who spawned the Targaryen dynasty — the royal family at the heart of the entire franchise.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
More significant and symbolic than an ultimately gallant failure in Mumbai was the moment Harry Brook effectively dropped the World Cup with the last mistake of what has been the most turbulent period of his meteoric rise to become one of the best batters in the world.—
Paul Newman,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Courtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtly. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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