1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tribunals
an assembly of persons for the administration of justice
this court is now called to order
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in woos
to act so as to make (something) more likely
you're courting disaster if you keep playing with matches
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dates
to go on dates that may eventually lead to marriage
they courted for a year before getting married
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of courts
Bomani Jones, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
This extension of Josh's sentence comes at the same time that his fourth, and final, appeal of his 2021 conviction is working its way through the courts.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Illinois joined 18 states defending consumers’ ability to file lawsuits in state courts against pesticide manufacturers for not including warning labels on products.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Thankfully, the state courts’ leadership is working hard to expedite cases on their end.
—Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
If courts conclude that NIL is being used as a stand-in for wages and should be treated as such, schools may have to reckon with what their NIL contracts really are.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2026
On April 29, the justices debated whether the administration followed the law when ending deportation protections for Syrians and Haitians – and whether courts are even allowed to review those decisions.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Energy law expert Kristoffer Svendsen said that after the administration’s losses in the courts, the lease buyouts appear to be a last attempt to close down as many offshore wind projects as possible.
—Jennifer McDermott, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
But the move comes as scam texts impersonating toll agencies, courts and banks are surging nationwide.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Apr. 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
Noun
And his future, a raging battle between the state courts and the NCAA, will be a bellwether for all college sports.
—Bomani Jones, Vanity Fair, 29 Apr. 2026
This extension of Josh's sentence comes at the same time that his fourth, and final, appeal of his 2021 conviction is working its way through the courts.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
Illinois joined 18 states defending consumers’ ability to file lawsuits in state courts against pesticide manufacturers for not including warning labels on products.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Thankfully, the state courts’ leadership is working hard to expedite cases on their end.
—Jonathan Lippman, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
If courts conclude that NIL is being used as a stand-in for wages and should be treated as such, schools may have to reckon with what their NIL contracts really are.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2026
On April 29, the justices debated whether the administration followed the law when ending deportation protections for Syrians and Haitians – and whether courts are even allowed to review those decisions.
—Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Energy law expert Kristoffer Svendsen said that after the administration’s losses in the courts, the lease buyouts appear to be a last attempt to close down as many offshore wind projects as possible.
—Jennifer McDermott, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026
But the move comes as scam texts impersonating toll agencies, courts and banks are surging nationwide.
—Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
Biglari Holdings courts the MAHA movement The MAHA hire is the latest chapter in a long and turbulent saga for Biglari Holdings and its CEO Sardar Biglari, who took control of Steak ‘n Shake in 2008 when the chain was losing $100,000 a day.
—Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Apr. 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
-
Stays come in the form of historic palaces like Palazzu Nicrosi, perched on the hillside, or Le Couvent de Pozzo, a 15th-century convent converted into a guesthouse with a centerpiece pool eyeing the Italian island of Elba.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Though most monarchs live their entire lives in castles and palaces, the late queen was not born expecting to ascend to the throne.—
Elizabeth Stamp,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rooms Freshly renovated, the rooms have a breezy, coastal palette, with plenty of natural light pouring in through oversized windows that look out onto either the beach or the property’s grassy courtyards.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The town also hosts community get-togethers and socializes throughout the neighborhood's plazas, courtyards and other hangout areas.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 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
-
But immigration judges have denied Juan bond multiple times, according to court documents.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The courts themselves have lost judges through departures and firings — nine have left the Chicago court since the beginning of last year.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 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
-
One of the most enduring royal handbag traditions dates back to Queen Elizabeth II, who reportedly used her purse as a discreet way to signal staff during public engagements.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The San Marcos Festival dates back to the 16th century and includes a traditional running of the bulls through the town's streets along with feats and music, per the local authorities.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Collected near Big Sur, the butterflies have been transported north and released under small mesh enclosures placed over deerweed, their host plant.—
Itay Hod,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
These small, unheated enclosures use the sun’s energy to store heat like a greenhouse.—
Heather Zidack,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 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
Cite this Entry
“Courts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courts. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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