lovely 1 of 2

Definition of lovelynext
1
2

lovely

2 of 2

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

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
Purists may object, but Rolex’s modern movements are quite lovely to behold. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026 The Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace is a lovely place for a spring wedding. Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
The first flowering of the reblooming variety of these perennial lovelies is in June. Erynn Hassinger, Country Living, 22 Apr. 2023 No, Colin Frissell hooking up with the three lovelies in Wisconsin. Kyle Smith, National Review, 10 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • It’s been wonderful over the five generations.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Bringing it back to America is wonderful.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The home run was a beautiful swing down in the zone.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Expect glitzy bars and eateries, often with tray ceilings that light up in beautiful hues at nightfall.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Her independent fine jewelry line includes engagement rings, wedding bands, and one-of-a-kind stunners.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Atlanta Hawks at Miami Heat The Hawks’ mid-year turnaround is remarkable, but the biggest story of the second half is still Bam Adebayo’s 83-point stunner.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His excellent size-speed combination, and aggressive downhill style creates disruption and turnover chances.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Another excellent option for sandy soil that Sing recommends is Russian sage (Salvia yangii).
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The happy news is that young people are filling the pews in our gorgeous churches.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Case in point, the dramatic lobby installations from star florist and designer Jeff Leatham, which might include gorgeous, tumbling floral displays in the spring, or a giant plexiglass reindeer in the winter.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With more than ninety works, the galleries are thronged with beauties, many of whom refuse to be pinned down to a gender.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
  • And a prior production at Court Theatre made much more of the beauty of the changing of campus seasons, one of the ways Auburn gets at the nourishing pleasures of an academic life.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The house then wraps around in back of the garage and extends out with a fabulous solarium that looks out over Auerfarm.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
  • There's high-energy choreography, there's production, there's fabulous costumes with rhinestones and sparkle.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Fly across the world to visit archives and then look at additional pamphlets just because the covers look cute.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026
  • For adventurous travelers who want to look cute in photos but also have a hike, tennis match, or other adventure on the agenda, this pleated skirt is an ideal pick.
    Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lovely

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster