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
Severely nearsighted, Isul wore eyeglasses with thick plastic lenses, which obscured her lovely, small eyes. Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026 Compassion is lovely, but structure is what keeps you from absorbing everything. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 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
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Here was a team that played a beautiful, dominant style of soccer that enthralled the world and stymied opponents on its way to the World Cup final.
    Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • This landmark resort is something of a Bajan institution, with elegant interiors and an awesomely beautiful setting that ensures it is consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Robb Report got an exclusive first look at the crème de la crème, a 1,732-square-foot stunner with rates starting from $2,768 a night.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 July 2026
  • These heat-loving, drought-tolerant stunners thrive in full sun and are one of the only perennials that will bloom by the first year when grown from seed.
    Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • The roofline leaves enough headroom for actual adults, the cargo area is genuinely useful, and visibility remains excellent.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
  • City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago State University and National Louis University, among others, have built their reputations on the premise that everyone deserves access to an excellent education.
    Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Summer is coming to a close, so end it on a high note with a gorgeous gel manicure.
    Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 19 July 2026
  • The plants look gorgeous in spring, but by fall, many are dead.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • The tiniest of details, the love of beauty and connection in the human world.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, an emerging beauty crossover — whereby eyewear forms a part of daily rituals — opens new avenues for growth.
    Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Uniquely, the resort has a no-menu concept and a fabulous team of chefs who love a culinary challenge.
    Katie Lockhart, Robb Report, 16 July 2026
  • On the savory front PJ’s offers gluten-free buns for its fabulous lobster rolls and a truly delicious linguiça roll for those who prefer meat.
    Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sherri Shepherd looks cute in polka dots to watch Tracee Ellis Ross make her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing on July 16 in New York City.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
  • Meredith, New Hampshire Meredith is one of those almost unbearably cute small East Coast towns—especially in the fall, when the colors really pop.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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