courts 1 of 2

Definition of courtsnext
plural of court
1
as in palaces
the residence of a ruler Hampton Court was the imposing residence of King Henry VIII

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2
as in courtyards
an open space wholly or partly enclosed (as by buildings or walls) the art museum boasts a glass-sided court that is filled with an array of greenery and sculpture

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3
4
as in judges
a public official having authority to decide questions of law if it please the court, I'd like to approach the bench

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courts

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of court
1
as in woos
to act so as to make (something) more likely you're courting disaster if you keep playing with matches

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2
as in dates
to go on dates that may eventually lead to marriage they courted for a year before getting married

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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 courts
Noun
Because the feudal courts, chivalric codes, and aristocratic patronage that had sustained it were gone. Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026 That order was struck down in multiple courts. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 The city also installed concrete bumps on walls near Lincoln Road and North Beach volleyball courts to prevent comfortable sitting and sleeping. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026 More than 35,000 people were prevented from registering to vote before it was struck down by the courts. Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026 What's more, it has not been embraced by the courts or the legal norms of the country for 160 years. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 1 Apr. 2026 All lower courts that have considered the case struck the order down. Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026 And anytime that happens, that triggers an extra level of scrutiny from courts to decide whether the law is valid or not. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Jim Steyer, the chief executive of Common Sense Media, said the outcomes so far show that the courts, state legislatures and foreign governments are now aligning to reshape Silicon Valley. Arkansas Online, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
But the go-short approach courts big risks. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026 The ensemble cast includes Ellie Bamber as Eleanor’s sister, Beatrice, and Ed Suter as Edward’s loyal squire Richard, who courts Beatrice amid the escalating tragedy. Robert Lang, Deadline, 27 Dec. 2025 Fox News, which courts an older linear audience, has put new focus on its reach via YouTube, X, TikTok and Instagram, among other venues. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courts
Noun
  • Many young visitors to ancient palaces and other tourist attractions in Seoul can also be seen borrowing hanbok from rental stores, while some fashion brands have reinterpreted it for a modern lifestyle.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
  • The faceless courtiers of the palaces have often wielded such incredible power, and certainly William and Catherine want to move away from that model to make the experience a lot more collegiate.
    Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the most obvious imbibable perks, expect other luxurious amenities like outdoor pools, picturesque courtyards, deep soaking tubs, and much, much more.
    Kristin Braswell, Architectural Digest, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The ryokan-style resort blends imperial heritage—think ornate Meiji-era latticework, intimate courtyards, and meticulous Zen gardens—with sleek, soothing contemporary design.
    Kelsey Eisen, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • But through a series of deft legal maneuvers—joined to the ever more ambitious self-concepts of some international legal tribunals—Mauritius was able to win a second legal victory at another international tribunal, for the law of the sea.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The position will also represent the department in front of administrative tribunals such as the State Personnel Board and the California Department of Human Resources as well as assist the attorney general’s office on civil litigation matters.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado Updated February 24, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In October, the Justice Department filed criminal charges against James that have since been thrown out successive times by federal judges.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The foundation’s judges and awards subcommittee members – the latter a volunteer group of industry professionals, academics, writers and reviewers that changes every year – also search on their own.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As the President insults allies, woos dictators, and spurns long-standing commitments, Rubio has to convince his counterparts that America will not entirely abandon its friends.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The program dates to the 1990s.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The network on Monday revealed the end dates for the current runs of its returning series including the NCIS trio, Tracker, Ghosts, Matlock, reality shows and others.
    Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • They may have been introduced into local ecosystems after lizards escaped their enclosures or were intentionally released by their owners.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Lights, in bird cage enclosures, still hang above the audience seating area, which has room for about 250 guests.
    Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In 16th-century Italy, gamblers could wager on the election of civic magistrates and the outcome of papal conclaves.
    Parker Bach, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Another major change concerned the High Judicial Council, which oversees magistrates’ appointments and disciplinary matters.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Courts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courts. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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