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

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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 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

In graceful, gimlet-eyed prose, Edwidge Danticat stares down preconceptions of family and belonging, lending her novel propulsion and promise.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
The suite comprised a graceful foyer, a large, curved living and dining area, walk-in wardrobe and changing room, and a separate bedroom and bathroom.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Stitched brown leather makes for a handsome addition to any home bar cart, especially when they’re housed in a Georg Jensen stainless steel case.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
His Hammness does show up, tongue planted firmly in his photogenic cheek, and reminds you that nobody does handsome-guy self-mockery better than Jon Hamm.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Her presence helps define the smart way Little Fish positions itself along the borderlines of casual and fancy, quirky and elegant.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.

— Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

Emirati curator and Sharjah royal family member Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi has been announced as the new chairperson of the Sharjah Museums Authority which oversees a network of cultural institutions across the emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.

— News Desk, Artforum, 9 July 2026
Her return to Eliot Zed kept the look in a familiar royal shoe lane.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 July 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