Definition of lovelynext
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lovely

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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
A bit further afield, but still on the American River, the Auburn Swim Hole is a lovely, and popular, spot. Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026 This is such a lovely lip oil that really delivers the most gorgeous pigment (not too much, not too little) in a really hydrating formula. Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 31 July 2026
Noun
In an early scene, poor Christian attends a dating event, having gamed the system, with his perfect numerical logic, so that all the potential lovelies are lined up at his table. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Apr. 2025 Serve these layered lovelies in old-fashioned glasses to make the treat extra special. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Headed somewhere with beautiful (albeit hilly) cobblestoned streets?
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Owens had been off television for roughly 17 months with a neck injury, and the finish came on a stunner to Zayn.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The stunner builds upon the boat builder’s existing Ultima 55 but adds a dose of Brabus’s propensity for dialing performance and looks up to 11.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Ocean beaches, gorgeous scenery, and hardy folks who can brave cold winters are among the attractions of the Northeast.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Rota’s gorgeous score swells sweetly as this affair is sketched, but Mario — older and wiser, to quote the Rodgers and Hammerstein song — has his doubts about a man who seems to him like a cad.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Vogue’s Favorite Korean Skin-Care Products So when thinking about the ingredients that really define K-beauty in 2026, experts say to look at the ones that take it back to the basics.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The retailer has been swiftly building on its in-house beauty offer with the addition of third-party brands and services such as skin and makeup consultations.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a fabulous moment to invest or look into building your wealth even more.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Not to mention its role as host to fabulous events from poolside DJ sets to rooftop yoga with an unmatched, unobstructed view of Manhattan's skyline.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lounge sets from Softies are cute and comfy, made from buttery soft stretch jersey.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Osbourne on Friday took to social media to share a cute moment with his baby girl, Ozzy Matilda Osbourne.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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