Definition of comelynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comely are beautiful, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

When is it sensible to use beautiful instead of comely?

The words beautiful and comely can be used in similar contexts, but beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

beautiful mountain scenery

When would fair be a good substitute for comely?

Although the words fair and comely have much in common, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When might handsome be a better fit than comely?

In some situations, the words handsome and comely are roughly equivalent. However, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How do lovely and beautiful relate to one another, in the sense of comely?

Lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

Where would pretty be a reasonable alternative to comely?

The meanings of pretty and comely largely overlap; however, pretty often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness.

a painter of conventionally pretty scenes

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 comely Here is the story of a comely girl, a mulatto, Margaret Toogood, Maggy. Anna Deavere Smith, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023 Instead, his big conversion comes later, after Rafael takes a fist to the face for dancing with a local tough guy’s comely fiancée. Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Aug. 2023 Connecticut-raised Troy’s debut novel, Floating, imagines a dinky, dusty town in Arizona where its comely protagonist, Ruby, falls in love with her husband’s estranged, cowboy brother. Hazlitt, 4 May 2022 Chin picks up a slide in comely tones of gray, brown, and off-white. Karen Wright, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for comely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comely
Adjective
  • Making the patio even more attractive is the handsome outdoor furniture, a fire pit, and a set of stairs leading to a beautiful grassy area that connects to the adjacent Farmington Country Club.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
  • Denis Lavant stars as Galoup, an adjudant-chef in the French Foreign Legion who develops a tense and ultimately dangerous relationship with one of his soldiers, the handsome and capable Commandant Bruno Forestier (Michel Subor).
    Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • Top Wall Street analysts help investors look past near-term noise and pick attractive stocks with solid long-term growth potential.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The convertible is also painted Verde Scuro, a rare color for Mondials and and a quite attractive dark-green hue.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • England's Anthony Gordon had a beautiful straight shot at Ghana's goal in the 57th minute, which landed straight in the arms of keeper Benjamin Asare.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Mabinty was remembered as a beautiful soul whose kindness, love, and hardworking spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
    Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • My friend has been in a long-term, live-in relationship with a lovely man.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Lake Vostok is said to be one of the loveliest places in Antarctica.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, a cute side slit and practical pocket on the shorts add style and functionality.
    Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
  • Join the droves of shoppers buying this cute henley top with a relaxed fit.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • For gardens that need both color and height, Mexican petunia is a pretty and low maintenance perennial choice.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 June 2026
  • America’s 250th birthday is right around the corner, so shop more pretty shirts, blouses, and tank tops below to celebrate it in style.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Named after former First Lady Michelle Obama, Pear Nova's Michelle Our Mama is a gorgeous medium brown shade with neutral undertones.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 27 June 2026
  • So far, that list includes luxurious hotels, gorgeous beaches, and a very special Neapolitan pizzeria.
    Anna Gentili, Vanity Fair, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the market for a charming little outdoor oasis to elevate camping trips this summer?
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
  • With a spacious design, durable construction, and charming look, it’s bound to be your go-to retreat for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening relaxing.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comely. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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