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

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Recent Examples of courtly 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 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 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 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 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

The new depot opened in 1912 and served for many years, although the handsome tiled building was razed decades ago.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026
As Washington, William Franklyn-Miller is tall, lean and model-handsome in a way that feels out of period.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Public health data has taught us that alcohol, which can be fine when consumed in moderation, can be harmful to individual and societal health in excessive amounts.

— Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.

— Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

The historic celebration, watched by hundreds of millions, had Hollywood appeal, welcoming Serena Williams, Idris Elba, David and Victoria Beckham and George Clooney, in addition to the royal family members in attendance.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Rosewood Fuschl’s Sissi suite can easily be considered a highlight with a freestanding bathtub, a century-old wooden wardrobe, and fluttering fabric panels around the bed (the modern interpretation of a royal four-poster bed).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 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