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
Each year, on Friday night, the last day of the fair, there is a lovely dinner where the winners are recognized. — Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026 There were thousands of empty houses in London and the councils actually employed gangs to come in and smash up these lovely Victorian houses, remove floorboards, rip out wiring [and] destroy the plumbing so squatters couldn’t live in them. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 8 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
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Ben is a real talent and will craft a beautiful and compelling documentary.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Starting the fourth with beautiful field position, the Bruins needed three plays to score.
    — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Food and drink Just off the courtyard, Capitulo restaurant inhabits the former chapter house, a beautiful space with vaulted ceilings, timeworn details, and a stylish, contemporary stunner of a bar.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Although Shorts seems like a left-field stunner, in retrospect its success made perfect sense.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her shoes are already a favorite among industry insiders for their sleek appeal and excellent construction.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In late September, the concept was thrust back into the public consciousness thanks to a Variety interview with actor Jack Innanen, who plays the Canadian himbo Paul Baker on the excellent sitcom Adults.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But Maguire and Strayer are felt as loudly as Maines across the record, through their gorgeous harmonies, but also fiddle and banjo and, sometimes, sitar and accordion.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
  • His 41-yard touchdown pass to receiver Cam Coleman in the first quarter against Oklahoma was a gorgeous throw.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday Gift Guide offers party outfits for women, holiday dressing for men, as well as beauty products, and gifts priced under $200, among other products.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In the film, Thị Mầu is a gifted young beauty hemmed in by rigid custom and the demands of her family.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • While the Amalfi Coast’s dirty little secret is its lack of beaches (which become jam-packed come high season), Borgo Santandrea comes with a fabulous private one—and a chic beach club for its guests.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Through the character of Señorita Rio, Renée was able to combat fascism and showcase fabulous fashion.
    — Gaby Iori October 7, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As a woman waded through the waters around the Bridge Side Marina in Bridge Isle, Louisiana, the tiny canine with a fluffy white coat wiggled his forelegs as if swimming, video of the cute moment shows.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The actress, who lends her voice to the fictional pop star Venus Nova in the film, sported a cute pair of strappy shoes that appear to be Manolo Blahnik’s Leva 105 Sandal.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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