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 Saving over a grand on a screen this big and this beautiful is a rare find. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026 Moana, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Isobel’s favourite, Belle, were in the beautiful three-tier lobby, complete with cascading staircase, royal chandelier and glass slipper in a case. Helen Wright, TheWeek, 11 Mar. 2026 SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 11 Mar. 2026 Young is the second-eldest of four girls; her stepfather was a session bass player, and her mom, who worked at a nonprofit, has a beautiful voice. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • My lovely new neighbors have a son my daughter’s age.
    Heather Grossmann, Parents, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Orange juice, ginger ale, and pineapple juice make up a lovely treat for after the egg hunt.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The state should leave well enough alone and let the Connecticut homeschool community educate their children in many wonderful ways.
    Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Another wonderful spot is McIntire Park, especially the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial section.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Lobelia with its beautiful blue, Scaevola, tuberous begonias and many other gorgeous flowering plants appear this time of year.
    Becky Wern, Florida Times-Union, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Monday will also be gorgeous at 70 and sunny!
    Mary Ours, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The large cast of smaller roles and chorus is excellent.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Evans Scholars must have a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character, the release said.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This cute mini skort can be worn with any top already in your wardrobe, or with the Gap crop tank top as a matching set.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The idea of putting a cute sticker on your body every day to take a supplement seems fun in theory.
    Korin Miller, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s what makes fandom so awesome.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The people of Florida are awesome.
    March 8, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus visiting Greece in the off-season reveals handsome landscapes without the heat and crowds that summer can bring.
    Katie Silcox, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Woodell plays Jay, a charming, handsome and wealthy Catfish alum.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Returnee Sam Jacobson closed out a fabulous four-year run.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Leonardo DiCaprio is back in Oscar-ready form as a stoner former revolutionary who is left by his spirited love (Teyana Taylor) and struggles to save his daughter (fabulous newcomer Chase Infiniti) from a dastardly nemesis (Sean Penn).
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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