knightly

adjective

Definition of knightlynext
as in kingly

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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 knightly He’s saved by a drunken Ser Arlan, who comes stumbling into the alley and instinctively follows his knightly code to defend the innocent. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 Far from a knightly war, the German advance in 1941-1942 against France was a dirty one, with thieving of private property and menace against civilians. — Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 The entire Christian civilization on which our country is built is a knightly message to defend widows and orphans. — Fox News, 9 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knightly
  1. kingly
  2. princely
  3. queenly
  4. lordly
  5. royal
  6. gentlemanly
  7. regal
Adjective
  • The result, historians say, has become a centralized, more politicized spectacle, marking the national milestone as a celebration of an imperial presidency rather than a revolution from kingly rule.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • On the thirteenth-century tomb of Eleanor of Aquitaine, she is shown wide awake and reading, while her dull and kingly husband sleeps for all eternity.
    — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Definition of kingly
Adjective
  • Charles has since formally removed Andrew’s princely title and HRH style.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Travelers are welcome to come and enjoy the gorgeous views of Vaduz and the surrounding area from the castle grounds, but they are not permitted inside as the princely family really does live here.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2026
Definition of princely
Adjective
  • The Bronze Age cemetery likely held highborn warriors, contemporaries of Ulysses, but perhaps a queenly mother lay among them.
    — Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
  • Just getting to see the queenly Williams in the Queen City seemed enough for many in the crowd, which robustly cheered each of her winners.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Dec. 2025
Definition of queenly
Adjective
  • But the cruelty and callousness of the lordly class infuses it all.
    — Ky Henderson, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024
  • The surge ended in the World Series, the lordly Yankees winning in six games, but Mays was on his way and Durocher gave him full credit.
    — Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
Definition of lordly
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
  • Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
  • Sean Connery first portrayed the legendary spy as a confident and ruthless Cold War warrior, while Roger Moore added camp and a gentlemanly touch to the role.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
Definition of gentlemanly
Adjective
  • Taste aside, there’s something regal about the preservation of tradition.
    — Bianca Betancourt, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • October 23, 2025 Hotel Luze, San Sebastián A regal stay on peaceful Mount Igeldo where the food is as stunning as the views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of regal

Browse Nearby Words

knightliness
knightly
knights
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Cite this Entry

“Knightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knightly. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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