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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lovely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lovely are beautiful, comely, fair, handsome, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," 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 could beautiful be used to replace lovely?

The words beautiful and lovely are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 lovely?

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

the comely grace of a dancer

When is fair a more appropriate choice than lovely?

In some situations, the words fair and lovely are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When would handsome be a good substitute for lovely?

While in some cases nearly identical to lovely, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

When is it sensible to use pretty instead of lovely?

Although the words pretty and lovely have much in common, 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 lovely
Adjective
Plus, there comprehensive 12 shades to choose from: a bright fuchsia looks lovely on deeper complexions, alongside the more classic baby pinks and peaches for fairer tones. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 May 2025 There’s a lovely give to their footbed that makes walking on hard surfaces comfy and less jarring. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 7 May 2025
Noun
No, Colin Frissell hooking up with the three lovelies in Wisconsin. Kyle Smith, National Review, 10 Dec. 2019 The vegetables: Along with the summer lovelies mentioned above, some people get all crazy and put mushrooms in their ratatouille. James P. Dewan, chicagotribune.com, 13 Aug. 2019 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Churches aren’t just beautiful buildings that uplift New York.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
  • The property has beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
    Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The last Clásico was nothing short of incredible, a match of the year candidate from Pedri’s long-range stunner to Kylian Mbappé’s career-first free kick goal to this sheer loopiness in the 116th minute: So, two words: El Clásico.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The Hurricanes pulled off a stunner in January, landing Carson Beck, who passed on the NFL draft for the portal.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 May 2025
Adjective
  • Additionally, having read about the extensive fabric testing conducted by Article to ensure abrasion resistance (150% more testing than industry standard!), I was reassured that this would be an excellent investment piece for our home.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
  • That means that barring a massive night by Brunson -- who is dealing with two excellent perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday and Derrick White -- the Celtics should be able to not only win, but cover, for the second game in a row.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Medium to moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7 With lacy foliage and tall flower spikes, larkspur adds gorgeous texture and upright structure to the summer garden.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
  • Loose, fluttery sleeves add gorgeous detailing to its otherwise simple silhouette, while its V-neck cut is especially flattering without revealing too much skin.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Even a glance at the headlines these days will give you an eyeful of negativity.
    Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
  • Related Story Attendees at Diesel’s show got an eyeful of bum-cleavage as models passed by in the Italian brand’s ultra-low jeans.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club looks forward to hosting the event again next year, promising even more excitement, community spirit, and fabulous designer handbags.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
  • In fact, his goal, after a fabulous assist by Leroy Sané, was almost Mülleresque.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • She has been married twice, marrying director Chris Calkins in 2009. 08 of 09 Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd Woody Harrelson's Woody Boyd joined Cheers in season 4 as a not-so-bright but very cute bartender.
    Kate Hogan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Located about 10 minutes from downtown, the winery has a tasting room and a cute patio for outdoor sipping.
    Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lovely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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