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 There are serving pieces from eras when salads were made from gelatin, boxes of puzzles and games, and a rainbow of beautiful glassware fit for dinner. Heather Bien, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026 This laptop backpack is an especially beautiful option, made of supple leather with a zippered closure, adjustable shoulder straps, and lots of inner secure compartments. Aly Walansky, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026 Director Al Mackay has done an incredible job in creating that intimacy of performance, but with this beautiful kind of backdrop. John Hopewell, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026 In 2022, she and her beautiful daughter. Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • After a day at the beach, retreat to this lovely country house that’s ideal for groups and families.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Some lovely amenities, very much on par with the room price, include Taittinger Champagne at the morning buffet, Diptyque toiletries in the rooms, and complimentary on-site activities like yoga classes and excellent chocolate chip cookies delivered nightly to your room.
    Maya Kachroo-Levine, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Service at the bars and restaurants on the ship was wonderful, too—attentive but never hovering.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Justin Trudeau – like him or don’t like him – Canadians are wonderful people.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Other great fashion deals include these 62%-off memory foam slippers, and this gorgeous oversized tote that comes in black, coffee, dark red, navy, nude, orange-brown, and more.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Whether heading to artsy Marfa, funky Terlingua, or rustic Marathon, you are primed for gorgeous sunrises over the desert landscape, as well as unmatched stargazing after nightfall.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Cats, after all, are excellent self cleaners.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Infiniti restaurant at Grace Bay Club is great for a very upscale evening, but Parallel 23 at The Palms, known for its fish, pasta, and excellent desserts, remains one of the very best meals of my trip.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There are a few unexpected gems, such as Loungefly, Pacsun, and Hot Topic, which also have cute offerings.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Scroll to shop and add these cute shoes to your cart while deals are up to 60 percent off.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And her husband, George, is awesome.
    Mo Rocca, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Beyond awesome displays of athleticism, the Winter Games delivered compelling storylines, some political.
    Steven P. Dinkin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Mother of two children with her sarcastic, smart and handsome husband.
    Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
  • That’s actually a handsome return on investment, relatively speaking.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Those who ran the Cowtown 5k and 10k Saturday morning had a fabulous forecast, temperatures were in the low 60s with a few clouds in the sky and a slight breeze.
    Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • The big moments were still huge, especially with the help of his fabulous chorus.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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