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 Omara stayed behind and became one of those dinosaurs until Cooder came along and broke the silence of that beautiful voice. — George Diaz, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 The Porters trailed 1-0 with just under nine minutes left in regulation before Kolliniatis finished off a beautiful combination play. — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Oct. 2026 When every brand has access to tools that can create beautiful visuals in seconds, polished production values are no longer enough to grab and keep consumers’ attention. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026 In front of our closest family and friends, I was bound to the most beautiful soul. — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • This also had a boat trip included, a lovely way to cool off after a day walking Barcelona’s lanes.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • This rigid, eye-catching collar makes a lovely focal point over plunging necklines and high-collar dresses alike.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The dress had a gold backdrop with plenty of metallic hues blended into the swirling pattern, varying shades of silver appearing along the fabric for a gorgeous foil-like motif.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
  • This chocolate brown suede is gorgeous for the season, and the gold hardware is super striking.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • At their on-screen meet cute, Apatow hands Bamford $500 cash just to pitch her on her own documentary.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The showstopper is a very cute idea where each baker has to make a dessert cart with at least three classic desserts on it.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The soups are incredible, the variety of pastas is awesome, and the entrées are varied and filling.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
  • This training staff’s awesome, and all the guys really like this training staff.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • No-brainer options included handsome denims with a curving leg and neo-suiting playing on mixing rather than matching sets.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Critic’s notebook As the Mamdani administration, and cities across America, grapple with affordable housing, two handsome complexes in Queens and Brooklyn show signs of progress.
    — Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • L3Harris claims its design can deliver greater range and speed than existing systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Tarantino revealed the most personally meaningful piece of casting in a film filled with great performances — including supporting turns by multiple actors (Austin Butler, Mikey Madison, Sydney Sweeney) who have blown up in the seven years since.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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