kingly

American  

[king-lee] / ˈkɪŋ li /

adjective

kinglier, kingliest

1. stately or splendid, as resembling, suggesting, or befitting a king; regal.

   He strode into the room with a kingly air.

   Synonyms:

   grand, exalted, magnificent, august, majestic, sovereign, princely

   Antonyms:

   lowly

2. pertaining or proper to a king.

   kingly power.

   Synonyms:

   grand, exalted, magnificent, august, majestic, sovereign, princely

   Antonyms:

   lowly

3. having the rank of king.

4. consisting of kings or others of royal rank.

   kingly personages.

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adverb

1. in the manner of a king; regally.

kingly British  

/ ˈkɪŋlɪ /

adjective

1. appropriate to a king; majestic

2. royal

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adverb

1. poetic in a manner appropriate to a king

Synonym Usage

Kingly, regal, royal refer to that which is closely associated with a king, or is suitable for one. What is kingly may either belong to a king, or be befitting, worthy of, or like a king: a kingly presence, appearance, graciousness. Regal is especially applied to the office of kingship or the outward manifestations of grandeur and majesty: regal authority, bearing, splendor, munificence. Royal is applied especially to what pertains to or is associated with the person of a monarch: the royal family, word, robes, salute; a royal residence.

Other Word Forms

• kingliness
  noun
• unkingly
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of kingly

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at king, -ly

Example Sentences

A purchase is theoretically possible and has historic precedents—although expanding one’s territory with gold or other payments has become rarer in modern times as nation states replaced empires and kingly realms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Later they turn to kingly and materialistic protections against their wandering.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2024

Worn at every coronation since then, it symbolises kingly dignity.

From Reuters • May 5, 2023

Some of the lack of enthusiasm might be attributable to the fact that, at 74, Charles has spent the bulk of his life awaiting the kingly role that passed to him upon Elizabeth’s death.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2023

"Well, Robb Stark is my father's bane. Joffrey is mine. Tell me, what do you feel for my kingly nephew?"

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin