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 The world’s most beautiful, sweetest person. Martha Bellisle, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 No visit to the Region of Bern is complete without a trip to Lake Oeschinen, dubbed one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 But All children are so innocent and beautiful, right? Outside Online, 11 Feb. 2026 Misunderstood and strangely beautiful creature? Lisa Rosen, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • And Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating in Southlake has seen pet owners consider just giving up on having a lovely home.
    Kelley Bruss, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • My first night was in a Farmhouse Meadow Studio, with a vaulted ceiling, dormer, gas fireplace, and a huge sliding glass door opening onto a patio (which would’ve been lovely if the weather were warmer).
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Welcome to the wonderful world of better coffee.
    Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This half-zip has an oversized fit that’s ideal for casual wear, and six different colors are on sale, including gorgeous jewel tones like Red Merlot and Cosmo.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • For minimalists, Abasks’s smart leather bags come in gorgeous hues, and feature washable interiors.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.
    Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Real Arizonans know that Valentine's Day is so much more than an excuse for candy and cute notes.
    Becky Bartkowski, AZCentral.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • From workplace romances to relationships built from body horror events, these are the precious pairs encouraging everyone to choose love above all and make that cute hand heart gesture.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Across Boston and online, locals have access to some educational and awesome Black History Month arts events.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The advanced technology peered even deeper into the sword, revealing that the craftsmanship around the pommel was truly awesome.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But deep down, this is a cold-blooded killer who was handsome and had the gift of gab.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Mesut has always played second fiddle to his handsome younger brother, Sheikh Ferit (Feyyaz Duman).
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • No outfit is complete without a fabulous bag and a cute pair of shoes.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Black-eyed Susan also self-seeds in the garden to keep your fence line looking fabulous.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on beautiful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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