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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
The simple story, chill vibe, and lovely style make this one of the best mobile games for all ages. Simon Hill, Wired News, 13 June 2025 The 147-acre Marshlands Conservancy is a lovely if degraded forest near I-95, just over the Bronx border into Rye. Robert Sullivan, Curbed, 9 June 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
  • She’s got a wonderful dynamic with Sydney Agudong, who plays Nani.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 June 2025
  • My 10-year-old avocado grown from seed produced two wonderful fruits last year.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Find antique treasures at Country Primitives and The Village Sampler; women’s clothing and accessories at Apricot Lane; and beautiful tabletop items at The Florida Room.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 June 2025
  • Both are beautiful, old-fashioned venues, but for colored trousers, panama hats and open-necked pink shirts, Queen’s has typically been the place to be.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • He's been keeping mum about the accessory, but the New York Post has confirmed the details about the stunner, including its sparkly price tag of $20,000.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 4 June 2025
  • Softball Sherman Oaks Notre Dame has become the surprise team in high school softball, eliminating last season’s Division 1 runner-up Orange Lutheran in a 9-7 stunner, then beating El Segundo 12-10.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • And excellent retail in turn should entice people to choose one store over another and visit often.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • These groups offer excellent opportunities to meet new contacts, stay informed about industry developments, and even discover unadvertised job openings.
    Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This wonderful, hopeful video shares the gorgeous songs of these vanishing birds.
    GrrlScientist, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • The double-height reception room and its gorgeous grand piano add a touch of drama to the living quarters while Philip Jeffries wallpaper and curated vintage furnishings bring warmth and personality to every corner.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Locals get an eyeful of contemporary art inside at the Seattle Art Museum as well as in the open air at the Olympic Sculpture Park.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025
  • Its Southern Alps are where Hollywood films fantasy flicks, skiers slide and Americans flock like sheep to get an easy eyeful.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Oklahoma commit concluded a fabulous four-year career by hitting .500 with 44 hits and 34 RBIs.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025
  • Amenities and Entertainment The chic pool deck is a focal point for the whole ship, surrounded by two decks of open space with fabulous views.
    Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Related Articles Miss Manners: Another mother chided me for group-texting a cute photo.
    Eric Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
  • Plus, a slight slit in the legs adds a cute and playful touch.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 22 Jun. 2025.

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