knightly

adjective

Definition of knightlynext
as in kingly

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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 knightly He’s saved by a drunken Ser Arlan, who comes stumbling into the alley and instinctively follows his knightly code to defend the innocent. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 Far from a knightly war, the German advance in 1941-1942 against France was a dirty one, with thieving of private property and menace against civilians. — Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 The entire Christian civilization on which our country is built is a knightly message to defend widows and orphans. — Fox News, 9 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knightly
  1. kingly
  2. princely
  3. queenly
  4. lordly
  5. royal
  6. gentlemanly
  7. regal
Adjective
  • The result, historians say, has become a centralized, more politicized spectacle, marking the national milestone as a celebration of an imperial presidency rather than a revolution from kingly rule.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • On the thirteenth-century tomb of Eleanor of Aquitaine, she is shown wide awake and reading, while her dull and kingly husband sleeps for all eternity.
    — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Definition of kingly
Adjective
  • The name Arthur has given princely vibes since the 6th century, when King Arthur pulled his legendary sword from the stone.
    — Sarah Scott, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The disgraced ex-Duke of York is rarely seen outside of his new home at Marsh Farm after his brother King Charles stripped him of all his princely titles and privileges last year.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of princely
Adjective
  • Her hair is still red, but now straightened and shortened into a bob; the curly and queenly aura is now history in favor of something that is even h-o-t-t-e-r-t-o-go.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Bronze Age cemetery likely held highborn warriors, contemporaries of Ulysses, but perhaps a queenly mother lay among them.
    — Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026
Definition of queenly
Adjective
  • But the cruelty and callousness of the lordly class infuses it all.
    — Ky Henderson, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2024
  • The surge ended in the World Series, the lordly Yankees winning in six games, but Mays was on his way and Durocher gave him full credit.
    — Mike Kupper, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024
Definition of lordly
Adjective
  • Set the scene Set in the heart of Bangkok’s royal quarter, this hotel is mere steps away from The Grand Palace and the famous Reclining Buddha of Wat Po.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Interest is heightened when royal stories cover Princess Diana, who was one of the most famous women in the world, with people fascinated by her life.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of royal
Adjective
  • There’s still plenty to enjoy in West’s plummy and gentlemanly performance; both Miller and West, in fact, are aces at oozing posh resentment, and, to the show’s advantage, they have both been caught in tabloid relationship drama of their own.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of gentlemanly
Adjective
  • The hotel's 18 rooms and five suites are all individually decorated with gloriously over-the-top touches in the form of antiques, sumptuous velvet duvet covers, and regal tones of red and gold that harken back to the property's royal history.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Coming from the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company, Patrick has the most mellifluous tones, regal and elegant.
    — Kyle Maclachlan, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of regal

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Cite this Entry

“Knightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knightly. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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