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 wood paste cleans, polishes, and leaves behind a beautiful, shiny finish. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026 The material needed to stand up to a little rain—I’m a New Yorker sans car, after all—and still accrue a beautiful patina over time. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026 All forms of grief are valid, and the beautiful thing about this story is that in the end there was finally a reunification between the two sides. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 Besides the powdery purple shade, most purple bottoms feature a beautiful deep grape hue that works similarly to styling a navy or chocolate brown. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • Why would anyone want to destroy lovely old houses, the same houses that made Kensington so desirable, and replace them with buildings that resembled a pile of washing machines 30 floors high?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Their climactic scenes near the end, once all the obstacles have been removed, are lovely — and not just because Austen’s prose in their outcome is so indestructible.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Palm Grove is a gorgeous, sophisticated toile; red-and-white ticking stripe has a classic, polished look that feels fresh and timeless.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Or maybe Pitt simply wanted to get his Jack London on, traipsing throughout gorgeous natural terrain and ruffling his co-star’s fur in between fending off feral wolves and navigating impromptu whitewater rafting trips sans the raft.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Dress it up with a skirt or trousers for holiday celebrations, date nights, and other special occasions, or team it with leggings for a comfy yet cute outfit to lounge in.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The rubber sole gives these slim sneakers enhanced traction and a sporty look that’s cute paired with joggers or leggings.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • So these are the scheduling quirks that come with our awesome move to nine games that has sure looked so great here lately.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • This book is full of hilarious moments, a ridiculously awesome entropy sweeper, and friendship in somewhat odd circumstances.
    — Kavya Dhillon, Parents, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Yeti’s new Rambler Bowls are the outdoor-lover’s ideal, and an essential addition to any tailgate setup, offering the same double-wall vacuum insulation as the brand’s famous drinkware with secure lids and an handsome aesthetic.
    — Red Fabbri, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The handsome wooden bench is crafted from solid poplar, features antique bronze hardware, and sports the soft and airy Seadrift finish, ideal for coastal, modern farmhouse, and contemporary dining rooms alike.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Located 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, the community of around 30,000 is home to a walkable, historic downtown populated with local boutiques and businesses; a legendary theatre; and lots of great restaurants.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Apple Apple's done great work to promote its Music streaming service by showcasing fantastic artists over the years.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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