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
Similar views can be had from the bathhouse, where the indoor pool is lined with lovely wide lounge beds and wraparound windows for picturesque lie-downs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the man who once held his own against both Robin Williams and Steve Martin in an Off Broadway production of Waiting For Godot gets free reign to clown around here, especially in a lovely moment that closes the show. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 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
  • An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond cooking, Relota Luczo takes a shot of Furtuna Skin’s LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil on an empty stomach each morning to maintain her beautiful skin.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Give the cake a final shake of fresh nutmeg for a beautiful presentation.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 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
  • His 28-yard touchdown reception from Sam Darnold late in the second quarter beat Delane, who had excellent position.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Spiced Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Adding pumpkin spice to half the batter before putting the two components together creates a magnificent swirl pattern that your holiday guests will ooh and aah over when cutting into this gorgeous cake.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In contrast to the gorgeous monochrome visuals, this is a land that stinks of complicity and delusion — of opportunists desperate to scramble onto the right side of history.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • You would have been treated like gods and lived forever in beauty.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The idea that beauty comes from within never entered the discussion.
    — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • On most summer weekends, East Potomac Park was crowded with working-class families, many including someone employed in federal civil service, engaged in various forms of recreation at this fabulous park that sits on the Potomac.
    — Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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