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 This is a classic game reimagined, with glossy resin tiles housed in a calfskin case that’s almost too beautiful to tuck away in your bag. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 8 Aug. 2026 Our Place cookware features an advanced nontoxic, nonstick coating made without PFAS, lead or cadmium, along with a timeless-meets-modern design that looks beautiful in any kitchen. ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 There’s always been a beautiful cultural exchange in my family. Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026 The design reminded me of an upscale country retreat, one with the most beautiful coastlines in the Caribbean. Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • The backstory First inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle at the turn of the century, this property is charismatically old at a lovely 125.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • There are orange and ube lattes, that sea-salt cheese latte that only comes iced and soft serve with coffee – a drippy, lovely affogato.
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Design After endless diatribes about the quirky lines of Ferrari’s all-electric Luce, the marque’s enthusiasts will find that the Amalfi Spider’s long-hood, raked-screen, and open-top lines are comfortingly familiar and unquestionably gorgeous.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Lexington, Kentucky track is known for its gorgeous limestone fences, paddock oaks and a grandstand that looks out over the iconic Bluegrass landscape.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • After Culkin penned a sweet message to Song on Instagram at the time, the actress responded by posting a cute Polaroid-style snap of the couple sharing a kiss on her own Instagram page.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026
  • There are some really cute rooftop spots in the Beverly Hills area.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Like genuinely one of the most awesome episodes in the Game of Thrones universe.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Justin Gonzales, the club’s top power prospect, is having an awesome stretch for the Drive.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Getty Images In less than a year, Mark Walter bought the NBA’s most valuable franchise and then flipped it for a handsome profit.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the Taskers Pond neighborhood, a handsome colonial has just come on the market.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There are also more complicated emotions, like jealousy, that fabulous women are allowed to express more fully.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Sure, the paint job looks fabulous, and the commemorative stickers and the special serial numbers might woo a select few, but there’s hardly much beyond that.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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