jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
Synonyms of juristnext
: one having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge

Synonyms of jurist

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Examples of jurist in a Sentence

earned a reputation as one of the most learned jurists in the federal courts
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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.
Now, the family seeks a fresh start with a new complaint, this time to be heard before a federal judge, rather than Lyons or any other Cook County jurists. — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 As Giardino discussed that plea with Omondi, the defendant addressed the jurist as a member of royalty. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Apr. 2026 An assemblage of distinguished jurists, Ivy League professors, nonprofit leaders, journalists, and theologians sat around me in a half circle. — Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 8 June 2026 Justice Adam Tanenbaum, the court’s newest jurist who was appointed by DeSantis in January, wrote a dissent. — Dan Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jurist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jurist was in the 15th century

Rhymes for jurist

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Browse Nearby Words

jurisprudential
jurist
juristic
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Cite this Entry

“Jurist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jurist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇(ə)r-əst How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

Legal Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: an individual having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge
the state's top jurist violated the U.S. Constitution when he banned the filming —National Law Journal
Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus law

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