Definition of handsomenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective handsome differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of handsome are beautiful, comely, fair, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

When is it sensible to use beautiful instead of handsome?

While the synonyms beautiful and handsome are close in meaning, 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?

Comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

When could fair be used to replace handsome?

The synonyms fair and handsome are sometimes interchangeable, but fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

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

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

a lovely melody

When would pretty be a good substitute for handsome?

The words pretty and handsome 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 handsome Guests will have the opportunity to sip and savor on the LAUREL patio, a handsome outdoor space that takes advantage of the prime Windy City locale. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 Dean Butler played Almanzo Wilder, a handsome farmer/carpenter who comes to town with his sister in season 6 and goes on to become Laura’s love interest. Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Our antennae immediately switch up when Hannah starts getting closer to one of her Act One classmates, Henry (Nate Mann), handsome and a little bit older. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 June 2026 What to do nearby Oglethorpe Avenue is one of Savannah’s prettiest streets, lined with live oak trees and handsome mansions. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for handsome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for handsome
Adjective
  • England's Anthony Gordon had a beautiful straight shot at Ghana's goal in the 57th minute, which landed straight in the arms of keeper Benjamin Asare.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Mabinty was remembered as a beautiful soul whose kindness, love, and hardworking spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
    Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The soft petal puff sleeves add a graceful detail that elevates the silhouette, while the breezy fit keeps it comfortable for summer weather.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
  • So graceful and powerful, without feeling tawdry.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The second-largest whale species after blue whales, fin whales are classified as an endangered species, according to NOAA.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026
  • Last week, in interviews with The Times, the leaders of the two largest unions — United Teachers Los Angeles and Service Employees International Union Local 99 — called for Carvalho to be replaced.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • In an interview with CBS News Texas, Hernandez said the Latino vote will have a sizable impact on the midterm elections in November.
    Jack Fink, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • Republicans are considering a sizable, $350-billion-plus increase in Defense spending on par with the White House’s budget request that the GOP could pass on its own, through the reconciliation process that allows Senate majority rule over potential objections from Democrats.
    Lisa Mascaro, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Top Wall Street analysts help investors look past near-term noise and pick attractive stocks with solid long-term growth potential.
    TipRanks.com Staff, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • The convertible is also painted Verde Scuro, a rare color for Mondials and and a quite attractive dark-green hue.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Featuring a classic Damask print, this three-piece quilt set will make any bedroom feel elegant and sophisticated.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 27 June 2026
  • The Wente Clone Chardonnay 2024 – A truly elegant expression of the Wente Chardonnay clone, beautifully balanced fruit, oak, and acidity.
    Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • The ripple effects on public health are substantial.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Beyond her personal belongings and the palm print, authorities found no other substantial clues at the scene of Huisentruit's disappearance.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Three other vehicles were all stopped a short distance away, each of which also appeared to have sustained considerable damage, with at least two sets of air bags deployed.
    Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 21 June 2026
  • And the resounding manner of Burnham’s win – comprehensively defeating Reform weeks after Labour was routed in local elections – gives him considerable momentum too.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Handsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/handsome. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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