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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Three Swiss museums—the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich, Museum Rietberg Zurich, and Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève—have collectively returned eighteen courtly and religious objects from the Republic of Benin (now Nigeria). — News Desk, Artforum, 30 June 2026 His Buena Vista Social Club premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and the courtly gents from Havana beat out their electrifying rhythms. — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 2 June 2026 In addition to writing the show, his central acting turn as Vega/Zorro showcases a formidable skillset as a courtly presence equipped with agile swordplay and a cracking bullwhip. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 12 May 2026 The royal court, along with the palaces of nobles, became centers of elegance and display, with ceremonies and outward grandeur being an important part of courtly culture. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for courtly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for courtly

Adjective

His strawberry-blond American mother had given him her graceful neck and tall, sleek but broad-shouldered build.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
The slender metal frame swoops into a graceful curve, with a petite tray branching off to one side—a perfect perch for your favorite candle or a warm drink.

— Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Critic’s notebook As the Mamdani administration, and cities across America, grapple with affordable housing, two handsome complexes in Queens and Brooklyn show signs of progress.

— Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Naval engineers built elegant streets lined with glass balconies that became the envy of northwestern Spain, and more than a century later, Spain’s future dictator, Francisco Franco, the son of a naval officer, was born there.

— Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Lié Studio The Eva Weekend tote $870 This sleek bag is the leather tote at its most elegant—roomy enough to hold travel essentials and crafted in luxurious Portuguese leather.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

As a Relais & Chateaux property, fine dining takes center stage.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
The two designers have launched a collaboration featuring 18-karat yellow gold and diamond button studs and collar tips created for Savas’ signature Allen denim shirt, bringing together fine jewelry craftsmanship and American workwear.

— Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

Queen Camilla, who wears the midi and maxidresses, took her admiration for Me+Em a step further, handing the brand a Royal Warrant as an official supplier of clothing and accessories to the royal household.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … BRIDGES UNDER FIRE — Prince Harry making 'big mistake' that could destroy the chance of royal reconciliation, expert says.

— , FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026