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
An open floor plan and exposed solid wood beams set a lovely tone for this beautiful home, as does the vintage wood-burning stove and Dutch-style farm doors. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Plant late-summer and fall-flowering bulbs such as saffron crocus in early to midsummer for lovely late-season bloomers. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 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
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The trumpets required skilled metal workers capable of making both a beautiful and working musical instrument.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In a city filled with incredible architecture and spellbinding heritage buildings, the Ortaköy Mosque is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to see.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Braham gave Algeria a 2-1 lead in the 64th minute with another stunner from distance that bounced before entering the goal.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Owens had been off television for roughly 17 months with a neck injury, and the finish came on a stunner to Zayn.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Design After endless diatribes about the quirky lines of Ferrari’s all-electric Luce, the marque’s enthusiasts will find that the Amalfi Spider’s long-hood, raked-screen, and open-top lines are comfortingly familiar and unquestionably gorgeous.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Lexington, Kentucky track is known for its gorgeous limestone fences, paddock oaks and a grandstand that looks out over the iconic Bluegrass landscape.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The archive features beauty products originating from the 17th century through the 2000s, with the most valuable item being a Max Factor lipstick belonging to Marilyn Monroe that Parsons secured in an online auction for more than $15,000.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The Arizona native also gave fans a peek at her beauty routine, sharing a photo in which she was seen wearing yellow Rhode eye patches with her hair rolled up in curlers.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Wonder no more with her fabulous gemstone jewelry collection at Rogers & Holland.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The famed Tondré Vineyard, planted by the late Tondré Allarid in a former broccoli field, was also the source of a fabulous 2022 JMC Cellars Reserve Pinot Noir, paired with a wild mushroom and goat cheese crostini.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Get the perfect lowkey look by pairing it with sneakers and a sun hat, then swap out your shoes for cute sandals and a cardigan in the evening.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Their cute, elderly golden retriever, Cassie, is used for such baldly emotionally manipulative ends.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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