courted

past tense of court
1
as in wooed
to act so as to make (something) more likely you're courting disaster if you keep playing with matches

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 courted Yet the political conversation continues to center white women as the decisive variable — the persuadable, the winnable, the ones whose votes need to be courted and earned and puzzled over. Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The production, slated for a fall release on Daily Wire+, courted some headline-grabbing controversy when members of the crew went on strike over safety conditions on the South Carolina set. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026 That dynamic proved especially important after the primary, when Jackson aggressively courted supporters of Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger — more mainstream Republicans who together won roughly one-quarter of the vote in May. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 Trump’s Ambassador to Denmark made numerous trips to Greenland, and courted Greenlandic politicians with promises of American business investment, educational opportunities, and development aid. Ben Taub, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Bass and Raman both courted the Latino vote, with Bass carrying 46% more precincts this year than in the 2022 mayoral primary. Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 From near-bankruptcy to 'a real business' Whoop initially courted a demographic of top athletes, hoping high-profile endorsements would give the brand instant cache. Tom Huddleston Jr. blair Baek, CNBC, 9 June 2026 For 26 years, this CityPlace mainstay courted downtown regulars for lunch and dinner with its menu of dry-aged steaks, charcuterie boards, fresh pastas and 600 bottles of wine. Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026 His record for Middlesbrough and England Under-21s, plus the number of clubs who have courted him, is proof of that. David Ornstein, New York Times, 5 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courted
Verb
  • However, Canada’s goal came from Eustáquio, the son of Portuguese parents who Herdman wooed away from that country’s U-21 team in 2019.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • This is, after all, the island that has wooed Roman emperors, including Tiberius, who allegedly carried out all sorts of debauchery at his hilltop Villa Jovis, which remains one of the Capri’s top attractions.
    Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • The electronic signatures were dated March 18, April 13 and May 22.
    Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The pic, which is dated for June 25, 2027, is readying for a shoot.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Cohen also invited Tom DeWolf, whose family was once the largest slave-trader in the United States, to join him.
    Jericka Duncan, CBS News, 28 June 2026
  • The modern silhouette’s low back and sloping arms provide a comfy foundation for anyone lucky enough to be invited in for a drink.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Courted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courted. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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