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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
The Blossom, on the other hand, was just a lovely drink, garnished with an edible marigold and simply refreshing. Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 Her brother was warm and lovely. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 15 June 2026
Noun
But don’t despair, my scarred and scarring lovelies. Matt Thompson, Spin, 10 Sep. 2023 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
  • The campsite is a budget-friendly way to spend a few nights in the area, a wonderful addition given the more luxe vibe of the other spaces that makes this property feel like a real community.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • And being obese became beautiful and healthy and then COVID happened and that was another crazy moment for me.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026
  • The rooms with bunk beds and lodges are especially nice for spreading out a bit, and are a quick walk from the main building hosting the restaurant and a beautiful library/lounge on the upper floor (yet another great Northern Lights spot).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Shortly after, cinematographer Pat Scola’s overhead view of a makeshift cemetery is a stunner.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Ayari was the star man as Sweden beat Poland in the UEFA play-off final to secure his side’s place in North America — and continued with that form by scoring a stunner after just seven minutes of their opener.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • But, expecting parents who are soccer fans can draw inspiration from the beautiful game with a gorgeous baby name inspired by the sport’s past and present stars.
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 20 June 2026
  • Today will be gorgeous with partly sunny skies, highs in the mid to upper 70s with low humidity.
    Mary Ours, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The storied tree is treasured not only for its age, stature and beauty, but for connections to the legend of Robin Hood, said to have hidden along with his band of outlaws inside the trunk to escape the Sheriff of Nottingham.
    Karina Zaiets, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Fragrance has become one of the fastest-growing categories in beauty, and the conversation isn’t just about luxury bottles anymore.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • The on-site cafe is also surprisingly fabulous for a lunch to refuel your explorations.
    Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
  • As extravagantly decorated as the guest rooms, Azure’s blue and white interiors would be a great date-night choice—a combo of watching the sun sink below the horizon, excellent cuisine and fabulous wines (try something from the owners’ South African estate, Bouchard Finlayson).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Serve this sweet-and-spicy salad with your favorite cute cocktail picks for a fresh-and-fun summer appetizer.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
  • Baby raccoons, for example, are very cute, but their mother may have made a den in the attic, crawl space, or shed, which can be bad for them and for the homeowner.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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