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
Please do not waste your sympathy on the misguided and vulgar notion that spending loads of money is a prerequisite for a lovely wedding or meaningful reception. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 The sack, my friends, is back at Rye Row by Olde Hearth, a lovely new operation just across from Lake Ivanhoe, where adjacent benches and a beautiful green lawn make for a splendid walk-to spot for post-purchase consumption. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 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
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Michael Kamen did this beautiful piece for the biggest battle of the movie, which was really low-key and very sad and drawn out, almost like slow motion, and put against the action.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The beautiful thing concerned an eighty-seven-year-old problem, the Jacobian conjecture.
    — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Named Poseidon, this 282-foot stunner has plenty of space and amenities to enjoy onboard.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The signature restaurant, Le Pressoir d’Argent, is a stunner with a rocaille decor (seashells set into elaborate plaster moldings) and a sublime seafood menu.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The dress had a gold backdrop with plenty of metallic hues blended into the swirling pattern, varying shades of silver appearing along the fabric for a gorgeous foil-like motif.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2026
  • This chocolate brown suede is gorgeous for the season, and the gold hardware is super striking.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The model for the painting (disputed by some historians) was allegedly Simonetta Vespucci (née Cattaneo), a renowned beauty in Florentine high society whom Botticelli greatly admired.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The company additionally toyed with the beauty category via collaborations, the latest of which launched with K-beauty brand Amuse earlier this year.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Featuring 36 pieces spanning handbags, jewelry, and footwear, the festive edit has something for everyone on your list, from the fabulous women in your life to the equally stylish men.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Additionally, Kay offers a fabulous shipping policy, excellent financing options, and some old-school retail perks that are seemingly extinct everywhere else.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • At their on-screen meet cute, Apatow hands Bamford $500 cash just to pitch her on her own documentary.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The showstopper is a very cute idea where each baker has to make a dessert cart with at least three classic desserts on it.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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