lordly

adjective

lord·​ly ˈlȯrd-lē How to pronounce lordly (audio)
lordlier; lordliest
Synonyms of lordlynext
1
a
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a lord : dignified
b
: grand, noble
2
: exhibiting the pride and assurance associated with one of the highest birth or rank
lordliness noun
lordly adverb

Synonyms

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proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors.

proud may suggest an assumed superiority or loftiness.

too proud to take charity

arrogant implies a claiming for oneself of more consideration or importance than is warranted.

a conceited and arrogant executive

haughty suggests a consciousness of superior birth or position.

a haughty aristocrat

lordly implies pomposity or an arrogant display of power.

a lordly condescension

insolent implies contemptuous haughtiness.

ignored by an insolent waiter

overbearing suggests a tyrannical manner or an intolerable insolence.

an overbearing supervisor

supercilious implies a cool, patronizing haughtiness.

an aloof and supercilious manner

disdainful suggests a more active and openly scornful superciliousness.

disdainful of their social inferiors

Examples of lordly in a Sentence

a lordly and dignified man He regarded his neighbors with lordly disdain.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
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

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lordly was before the 12th century

Rhymes for lordly

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lordly
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Cite this Entry

“Lordly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lordly. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

lordly

adjective
lord·​ly ˈlȯ(ə)rd-lē How to pronounce lordly (audio)
lordlier; lordliest
1
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a lord : noble
2
: proud sense 1a, haughty
lordliness noun
lordly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on lordly

Nglish: Translation of lordly for Spanish Speakers

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