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 butler service, available 16 hours each day is a lovely touch. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026 So, her lovely black taffeta mourning overdress is beautiful. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 17 Sep. 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
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • And this must have been one of the most stunningly beautiful places in all of the world.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • While vinyl siding can be beautiful, rust streaks and mold growth can ruin its appearance, making your entire home look drab and neglected.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But the most complete evidence of his impact is Wednesday’s opening Geffen Hall concert, which proves to be a stunner.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The second-year quarterback was fantastic in the second half and nearly pulled off the biggest stunner to open the NFL season.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The outerwear pick has a slightly oversized fit that’ll pair perfectly with chunky sweaters, plus it’s made from a gorgeous faux-suede material.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Dressed in a gorgeous all-white sculptural Ashi gown, Hobson was succinct and spoke from the heart.
    John Ross, Vanity Fair, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Meaning, beauty—existence itself— cannot compete with a banker on the banker’s terms.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Under his leadership, Quadrivio has developed a range of industry-specific funds, including the Made in Italy I and II funds, focused on fashion, design, beauty and food and wine.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • My father was a very eclectic and fabulous radio personality.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Red was another major player, from Mariska Hargitay’s fabulous red sequin Monse moment to Chase Infiniti in beaded red Louis Vuitton.
    Alex Badia, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Then toss a fresh pair of leggings into your cart to wear with popular oversized sweaters, and cute capris for the in-between-temp days.
    Jessie Quinn, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This year, the Time Out publishing group has voted Seoul’s Jongno 3-Ga the world’s coolest neighborhood, highlighting its cute shops and cafes as well as its Instagram-ready scenery.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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