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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
  • The disgraced ex-Duke of York is rarely seen outside of his new home at Marsh Farm after his brother King Charles stripped him of all his princely titles and privileges last year.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Charles has since formally removed Andrew’s princely title and HRH style.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of princely
Adjective
  • Her hair is still red, but now straightened and shortened into a bob; the curly and queenly aura is now history in favor of something that is even h-o-t-t-e-r-t-o-go.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Week 1 does not a season make, and a sparkling debut doesn’t always lead to a crown (looking at you, 2025 Joe Burrow and the royal scourge that is turf toe).
    — Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The family is living at a private, non-royal residence outside of London.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 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
  • All 18 stories are luxurious and elegant, with 169 guest rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, regal four-posters, and marble bathrooms stocked with Byredo products.
    — Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The actress and Bulgari ambassador, currently expecting her third child, coordinated a regal high-shine maternity look with a McQueen dress and metallic Aquazzura sandals.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of regal

Browse Nearby Words

knightliness
knightly
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Cite this Entry

“Knightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knightly. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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