as in graceful
having or showing elegance
his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Much of the aesthetic was defined by long-slung, horizontal homes that were intended to emulate the graceful expanse of the midwest Prairie.—
Katherine McLaughlin,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2025
-
Certainly, the words graceful or athletic do not come to mind.—
Ernie Cowan,
Mercury News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Also receiving handsome compensation, though not a CEO, at WWE and UFC owner TKO?—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2025
-
Thankfully, Dornan’s handsome features didn’t hamper his acting career in the long run.—
Emlyn Travis Published,
EW.com,
7 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
The fine granules will dissolve in the dough and impart subtle mocha notes, adding a deeper, more complex flavor to your cookies.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Meghan Markle is reportedly making a daring choice with her royal titles.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
2 May 2025
-
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
-
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* brings together a huge ensemble cast for a less gallant take on the MCU.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
1 May 2025
-
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 15 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share