COURTLY Synonyms: 96 Similar and Opposite Words

courtly

adjective

ˈkȯrt-lē

Definition of courtly

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 pianist Steven Blier, who co-founded NYFOS in 1988 and remains its artistic director, is one of the most imaginative programmers in classical music, his myriad interests bursting the courtly confines of the vocal recital. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026 These firms now pay their rainmakers like Wall Street stars and have dropped their courtly scruples for relentless commercialism. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026 This single feast, emblematic of Fes’s cuisine, carries the taste of the courtly table of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad, the flavors served at the Alhambra in Islamic Andalucia, a blend of West African spices, and Amazigh know-how. — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for courtly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtly

Adjective

Yet 20 minutes later, it was long forgotten during a graceful balance beam routine that brought her to within striking distance of the lead.

— CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
In the morning, travelers will awake among the graceful canals and bridges of Venice, with a private water taxi to ferry them into the heart of the Venetian lagoon to explore the city’s many islands.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Later on, Bret wanders away from his friends and runs into Debbie’s father, Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley), entertaining handsome young men in the hot tub.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
The younger Gere plays Robert Mallory, the handsome new student who transfers to Buckley prep at the same time that The Trawler begins killing local teens.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

The five-night yacht voyages combine access to historic sites along the river and elegant, luxurious accommodations.

— Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Featuring romantic bell sleeves, an elegant boat neckline, and an adjustable back cinch detail, this figure-forming top looks flattering on just about everyone.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

The five-time Pro Bowler had one of his finest statistical seasons last year, allowing only 15 pressures on 491 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
It’s made of premium—think fine-gauge fibers that don’t itch—merino wool, a naturally thermoregulating material.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

The two weren’t mentioned in the announcement, or in the royal family’s congratulatory post, and the entire British royal family has gone out of its way to separate itself from Andrew and Fergie, considering their recent scandals.

— Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Aug. 2026
The Qatari royal family's donation of the luxury jet valued at approximately $400 million, an unprecedented foreign gift, raised questions from some lawmakers and ethics experts.

— Emily Chang, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of royal

Adjective

Clearly, Americans didn’t do gallant failure, instead demanding domination over mere participation every time.

— Terry Baddoo, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Commandment was very gallant in defeat for trainer Brad Cox and looks to be on the improve after his seventh-place finish in the Kentucky Derby.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 8 June 2026