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 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

The brusque treatment of an executive of Bajaria’s stature is a sign that no one is safe from scrutiny, and no one should ever count on making a graceful exit.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026
Minervini calmed down from there, delivering a more graceful goodbye.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

But many of the film’s most evocative images, often involving groups of soldiers, handsome and glistening and in varying stages of undress, remain just that — images without a strong connection to the larger storytelling.

— Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
But not before Elinor has fallen in love with Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s handsome and upstanding brother, during a family visit.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Signs of this history were on display amid all the adventurous modern art that made Mandell’s home seem like an elegant, circus-like wonderland.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Her elegant primary bedroom boasted a dressing area that was the picture of ’40s-movie-star luxury, complete with plush rugs, dramatic arches, and, of course, plenty of mirrors.

— Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

Adjective

Prince Harry is opening up about his and wife Meghan Markle’s unexpected decision earlier this year to move back to the United Kingdom years after their dramatic fallout with the British royal family.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Now, the requests are coming from Camilla, who paid her own royal visit to the library earlier this year.

— STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026