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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Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions Friday, after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist Navi Pillay, a former judge at the ICC and other international courts. — Matthew Lee, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026 Navi Pillay, a South African jurist who was the UN’s longest-serving human rights chief, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The Monitor's View This year’s award went to a South African jurist who not only reshaped international law but also says her inspiration came from survivors of atrocities who never gave up their dignity. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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