Definition of beautifulnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective beautiful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beautiful are comely, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

beautiful mountain scenery

How are the words comely and handsome related as synonyms of beautiful?

Comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

When can fair be used instead of beautiful?

The words fair and beautiful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When could handsome be used to replace beautiful?

While in some cases nearly identical to beautiful, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How do lovely and beautiful relate to one another?

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

a lovely melody

In what contexts can pretty take the place of beautiful?

The words pretty and beautiful can be used in similar contexts, but 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 beautiful Those beautiful periwinkle blooms are wonderful to see but sticky and toxic to the paint on your car. Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 Like Vogüé, it's recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2026 Maastricht, Netherlands — arguably as beautiful as Amsterdam and far less crowded, with a network of underground casemates beneath the city, vineyards in the surrounding countryside and a compact center easily explored on foot. Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 Maastricht, The Netherlands — Arguably as beautiful as Amsterdam and far less crowded, Maastricht sits on both sides of the Meuse River, surrounded by stunning countryside and historic castles. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • Staff are uniformly lovely and helpful.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Any guy currently punching well above his weight class with a lovely girlfriend knows that truth intuitively.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her trick is to create a gorgeous tablescape that feels intentional and thoughtful by draping the folding table in a beautiful tablecloth and layering on plates, napkins, and candles.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 30 May 2026
  • Tabitha Brown, Nina Westbrook, Anna Malaika Tubbs and Mara Brock Akil are a gorgeous girl group at the 4th Annual Women's Wellness Brunch on May 29 in Los Angeles.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are beautiful lake-side beaches and excellent trout fishing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • The jury, under the excellent presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was both generous and confident, had extremely varied and highly democratic debates.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Right now, the comfy-cute cute walking shoes are on sale from just $55.
    Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 30 May 2026
  • My favorites include breezy linen co-ords, casual-but-cute loungewear sets, and elevated athleisure styles that work for basically everything — starting at $21.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, the pretty pictures of the Moon were awesome, but the inspiration is far more valuable.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • While domestic is +10% in weekend 3, international is up an awesome +39%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Barragán originally set out to find the man who scammed his mother by posing as a handsome American soldier, but now interrogates four of these young men, illuminating their psychological tactics, economic hardships and moral dilemmas.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 30 May 2026
  • With handsome, compound foliage that remains evergreen in frost-free areas, this heat and drought tolerant shrub makes a lovely accent or focal point.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The pool on the 18th floor has a fabulous view of the central business district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Meryl-Inspired White Jeans If dresses aren’t your thing, Streep’s relaxed white jeans are a fabulous alternative.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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