courtlier; courtliest
2
: favoring the policy or party of the court
courtliness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of courtly in a Sentence
Adjective
his courtly manners made him a favorite escort of widowed socialites
Recent Examples on the Web
Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 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
Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 June 2024
Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for courtly 
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Adjective
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.
—Neil Irwin, Axios, 17 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
Adverb
The courtly intrigue frequently takes on a goofy, vulgar bent.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 June 2024
Best of all is the lively triple-time finale, which evokes the long history of courtly hunting music, with an alluring short section in minor key.
—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for courtly
Dictionary Entries Near courtly
Cite this Entry
“Courtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courtly. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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