as in graceful
having or showing elegance
his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of courtly
Across the street was the Mortensen House, a Spanish Colonial Revival villa from 1929, with courtly arches under a Mediterranean red-tile roof.
—
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
State of play: The courtly and restrained Bessent warned of economic disaster if Trump's 2017 package of tax cuts, many of which are due to expire at the end of the year, are not extended.
—Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for courtly
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2025
State of play: The courtly and restrained Bessent warned of economic disaster if Trump's 2017 package of tax cuts, many of which are due to expire at the end of the year, are not extended.
—Axios, 27 Jan. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for courtly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtly
Adjective
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The building itself, majestic and graceful, holds an immediate promise of well-being.—
Rona Berg,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Her playing was poised and expressive throughout, favoring subtlety over drama and marked by graceful nuance.—
Sheila Regan,
Twin Cities,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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An innovation on the part of Buchan, was the glamorous female mastermind, Hilda von Einem, who vies with the handsome Irish intriguer Dominic Medina (please do read ‘Greenmantle’ and the ‘Three Hostages’) as the foil to Richard Hannay.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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The main building for what is now the Austin State Hospital is a handsome neoclassical structure designed for the asylum that chartered in 1856.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
4 July 2025
Adjective
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The dress has elegant puff sleeves, romantic florals, and a square-neck that keeps you covered.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
12 July 2025
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Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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People in their finest gathered under those lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
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Based on how Padres pitchers have performed, Díaz and Maldonado had a fine defensive first half.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
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The kids were treated to a royal ball, a pajama party and other special surprises.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Fiennes exhibits that side of him without apology, which only makes his gallant side feel all the more genuine.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Each year, Scouts, Scouters, veterans and other community groups from all over the Bay Area gather in tribute to these gallant men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.—
Karl Mondon,
Mercury News,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Courtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courtly. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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