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Definition of lovelynext
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lovely

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lovely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lovely are beautiful, comely, fair, handsome, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

When could beautiful be used to replace lovely?

The words beautiful and lovely are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lovely?

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

the comely grace of a dancer

When is fair a more appropriate choice than lovely?

In some situations, the words fair and lovely are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When would handsome be a good substitute for lovely?

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

a handsome Georgian mansion

When is it sensible to use pretty instead of lovely?

Although the words pretty and lovely have much in common, pretty often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness.

a painter of conventionally pretty scenes

How does the adjective lovely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lovely are beautiful, comely, fair, handsome, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

When could beautiful be used to replace lovely?

The words beautiful and lovely are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lovely?

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

the comely grace of a dancer

When is fair a more appropriate choice than lovely?

In some situations, the words fair and lovely are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When would handsome be a good substitute for lovely?

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

a handsome Georgian mansion

When is it sensible to use pretty instead of lovely?

Although the words pretty and lovely have much in common, 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 lovely
Adjective
Guided by the imperious voiceover of family matriarch Ann (Francis Annis), Soames chases after the lovely Irene (Millie Gibson), who scandalously dances ballet and wants to go to Paris. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026 The rooms Quietly radiant, the 89 accommodations are aesthetically a lovely contrast to the public zones, featuring deeper, warmer tones of wood in curvaceous silhouettes that evoke femininity, with plush carpeting that echoes tatami mats. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
The first flowering of the reblooming variety of these perennial lovelies is in June. Erynn Hassinger, Country Living, 22 Apr. 2023 No, Colin Frissell hooking up with the three lovelies in Wisconsin. Kyle Smith, National Review, 10 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • Even a spontaneous side order of roasted carrots with pomegranate yogurt is haunting me, in a wonderful way.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Jim has a wonderful history with Cannes.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • One is beautiful and famous the world over; the other is even more beautiful yet content not to have to put up with all the fuss and attention.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
  • What happens when you are forced to choose between a beautiful, vulnerable tradition and your own self-actualization?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This winter has been a stunner for Western states.
    Evan Bush, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Down in New Orleans, the sisters behind contemporary Mexican stunner Acamaya, one of our Best New Restaurants of 2025, are opening what is poised to be the hottest breakfast spot in town.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Horned Frogs had a mix of air raid and veer-and-shoot principles under Briles, but are expected to move more to a pro-style scheme under Sammis, who had excellent success with that style of offense at UConn.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In the pre-show rooms, both real-life actors seen were excellent at interacting with real-life visitors and prerecorded monotone movie stars.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Hoja Blanca crew has experimented with their own gorgeous versions, making rainbow patterns with different shades of masa.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Basketball legend Michael Jordan celebrated his 23XI Racing team’s fourth NASCAR win while wearing a gorgeous, limited-edition Greubel Forsey that retails for a hefty $500,000.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Jude and the cinematographer Marius Panduru shot the film on an iPhone, and the nimbleness and range of their outdoor setups summon forth images of a crisp, unshowy beauty.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The final episode looks at the science and savvy behind South Korea’s beauty industry and how the country came to set the agenda for cosmetics consumers around the world.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Still, contemporary perks are woven into this living museum, including a fabulous spa.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The hardest part is deciding on an entree — everything here, from the rice or wheat dumplings to the lemony chicken tawa to the kabobs, is fabulous.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Marvin’s a cute little mushroom living in a cozy home beneath a mighty cedar tree.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Dry off and look cute at the same time with Katydid beach or gym towels.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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