comeliness 1 of 2

Definition of comelinessnext

comely

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comely are beautiful, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

When is it sensible to use beautiful instead of comely?

The words beautiful and comely can be used in similar contexts, but beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

beautiful mountain scenery

When would fair be a good substitute for comely?

Although the words fair and comely have much in common, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When might handsome be a better fit than comely?

In some situations, the words handsome and comely are roughly equivalent. However, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How do lovely and beautiful relate to one another, in the sense of comely?

Lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

Where would pretty be a reasonable alternative to comely?

The meanings of pretty and comely largely overlap; however, 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 comeliness
Adjective
Here is the story of a comely girl, a mulatto, Margaret Toogood, Maggy. Anna Deavere Smith, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023 Instead, his big conversion comes later, after Rafael takes a fist to the face for dancing with a local tough guy’s comely fiancée. Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Aug. 2023 Connecticut-raised Troy’s debut novel, Floating, imagines a dinky, dusty town in Arizona where its comely protagonist, Ruby, falls in love with her husband’s estranged, cowboy brother. Hazlitt, 4 May 2022 Chin picks up a slide in comely tones of gray, brown, and off-white. Karen Wright, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for comeliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comeliness
Noun
  • Miss Yvonne insisted on her beauty constantly, unapologetically, nonstop, even when no one asked.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 May 2026
  • The festival is broken into two halves, with an Intermission Party in between, featuring festive food, creative opportunities, and music, offering a chance to mingle with the artists and fellow guests amid the beauty of the farm.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The best places to stay here, like handsome, airy boutique hotel Villa Paola, are an easy shuttle ride or energetic walk away from the center.
    Lee Marshall, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 May 2026
  • Its handsome pattern that resembles a quilted design, along with its thick weave, feels much more expensive than the price point would suggest.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Retirees with home equity, retirement accounts, or Medicare benefits are especially attractive targets.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • For many savers, however, investing it in this climate is understandably not attractive.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Even seemingly benign alterations for aesthetic reasons are prohibited, such as removing the photojournalist’s own shadow or evidence of their camera equipment, removing an unsightly wire or fencepost, or airbrushing someone’s facial features to increase attractiveness.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 May 2026
  • Kenya’s data center market is projected to triple to $805 million by 2031, according to a new report, with the country’s renewable energy mix among the factors boosting its attractiveness.
    Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • The area One of the most beautiful areas to visit in Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is very popular during the high summer season between December and March, attracting many trekkers to hike the famous W or Q circuits.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Allen, who has racked up more than 2,300 wins in his career, said many in the industry lament the loss of a beautiful grass course.
    CBS News, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The shatteringly crispy skin on these chicken thighs is achieved without frying, meaning less mess and oil, but the same lovely crunchy result.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
  • There’s going to be a little inkling of the night shift personality in the next season, which will be lovely.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • AshleGryre Shop for breezy sundresses, cute beach coverups, bikinis, and raffia platforms at AshleGryre, a fashion-forward women’s boutique right across from Dune House in Atlantic Beach.
    Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • Sure, robots can be kitschy and cute, but frankly, their growing presence has begun to irk and distract me, becoming a bit too synonymous with gimmicky pan-Asian hotpot fare.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • This idyllic stretch of western New Jersey is dotted with postcard-pretty towns that blend Americana charm with elevated local eats, funky cultural gems, and a refreshing lack of pretension.
    Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
  • There’s Staud’s pretty poplin style that looks effortless with sleek strappy sandals and a floppy sun hat, or Merlette’s artful wrap dress that strikes a subtle statement on date nights and post-work cocktail hours alike.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comeliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comeliness. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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