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
Please do not waste your sympathy on the misguided and vulgar notion that spending loads of money is a prerequisite for a lovely wedding or meaningful reception. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026 The sack, my friends, is back at Rye Row by Olde Hearth, a lovely new operation just across from Lake Ivanhoe, where adjacent benches and a beautiful green lawn make for a splendid walk-to spot for post-purchase consumption. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 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
  • Server was wonderful and attentive and the manager came around to check on things.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • There’s a wonderful connection between this film and the festival.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • After Pittsburgh failed to score during nearly 4½ straight minutes of power-play time early in the second, Gauthier beat Silovs with a beautiful no-look shot for his first goal.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Mayor Matt Mahan told the crowd that the flower is the perfect symbol for a city with a beautiful past and a bright future.
    — John Ramos, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Many sweater dresses can end up looking shapeless or baggy, but not this stunner.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Named Poseidon, this 282-foot stunner has plenty of space and amenities to enjoy onboard.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Bold from brown butter and balsamic vinegar and bright from lemon, the crunchy topping is an excellent foil to the sweetness of roasted squash.
    — Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Their bench even has some guys providing excellent backup options.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • As the house lights dimmed and the din of French gossip died down, we were treated to a gorgeous flute solo that surprisingly transformed into a beatbox performance, by a 15-year-old.
    — Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Many imbued the air with the gorgeous, heavy scent of citrus blossoms.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The model for the painting (disputed by some historians) was allegedly Simonetta Vespucci (née Cattaneo), a renowned beauty in Florentine high society whom Botticelli greatly admired.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The company additionally toyed with the beauty category via collaborations, the latest of which launched with K-beauty brand Amuse earlier this year.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The simple almond toe looks fabulous peeking out from under a pair of wide-leg jeans or trousers, and the side zipper adds just enough detail to avoid looking too plain.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • If budget’s no matter, go all out with a fabulous diamond tennis bracelet from Blue Nile.
    — Mekaylah Yowpp-Hernacki, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • It’s made from Skechers’ GO Snuggle fleece and comes in six cute colorways.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Quarter-zip sweaters, which have soft structure, are comfy yet polished alternatives that give fall outfits cute, preppy vibes.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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