jurist

noun

ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
Synonyms of juristnext
: one having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge

Synonyms of jurist

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Examples of jurist in a Sentence

earned a reputation as one of the most learned jurists in the federal courts
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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.
Although Louisiana’s top jurist tore apart the state’s case against Duncan, the 57-year-old West Monroe native still isn’t truly free. — Richard A. Webster, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026 Alongside Gyllenhaal and Ben Hania, the jurists include English composer Daniel Blumberg, Italian professor Francesco Casetti, French writer-director Xavier Giannoli, Afghan writer-director Shahrbanoo Sadat, and Hong Kong director Johnnie To. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026 The jurist raised concerns about the state of the RMS Titanic collection and ordered that an inventory of the items and their condition be filed with the court. — Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2026 The Court’s founding prosecutor, Argentine jurist Luis Moreno Ocampo, held the role from 2003 to 2012. — Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jurist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jurist was in the 15th century

Rhymes for jurist

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Browse Nearby Words

jurisprudential
jurist
juristic
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Cite this Entry

“Jurist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jurist. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇(ə)r-əst How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: one (as a lawyer or judge) having a thorough knowledge of law

Legal Definition

jurist

noun
ju·​rist ˈju̇r-ist How to pronounce jurist (audio)
: an individual having a thorough knowledge of law
especially : judge
the state's top jurist violated the U.S. Constitution when he banned the filming —National Law Journal
Etymology

Middle French juriste, from Medieval Latin jurista, from Latin jur-, jus law

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