Definition of beautifulnext
1
2

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 Now our tears flow in sadness, but also with gratitude for all the beautiful memories of our sweet, kind, hilarious, cherished Bob. Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 The hummingbird rain chain creates a soothing soundtrack on rainy days and makes a beautiful addition to a front porch. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Owners Kerrel and Nkem Thompson craft beautiful and thoughtful pizzas. Peter St. Onge updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 Big recipe cards with beautiful images walk you through the steps. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
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
  • So many wonderful dinners with friends and nights out on the town.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Soccer – football in much of the world – has a long and wonderful tradition of singing, whether that be in praise of their favorite players, mocking opponents (sometimes, brutally so) or simply urging their team forward.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 23 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
  • And with such excellent transit, there can be much greater housing density.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026
  • His group stage has been consistently excellent without announcing itself — the kind of contribution that shows up in the table rather than the highlights.
    Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 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
  • Brady joins bro Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe and of course the return of Aleksander Barkov to lead what should be an awesome offense.
    Greg Cote June 28, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Hearing that growl, that was bone chilling, but working with the jaguar was awesome.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
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
  • Syd was always going places, but Richie and Tina — and, of course, the fabulous Fak brothers, Neil (Matty Matheson) and Ted (Ricky Staffieri) — were the miracles of the piece.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
  • The Washingtons were known for fabulous roasts at their dinner parties, said Rose Young.
    Ava Berger, NPR, 28 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on beautiful

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster