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
And, just an hour’s flight time from London, there are few more lovely places to visit than the southwest of France. James Rampton, TheWeek, 9 July 2026 There is also some discussion about Texas and its lovely summer heat. Brayden Garcia july 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 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
  • The resort provides a hiking guide—Nafea Abdeljalil was wonderful—and of course transport.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Izzy, a vulnerable, dry-humored lesbian, played with a hummingbird intensity by the wonderful Molly Bernard, marvels that the experience is hard to describe to anyone who hasn’t been through it, like sharing a dream.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Their French 75, which is made with cognac, lemon and muscadet, is a perfect example thanks to a beautiful balance of elegance and ingenuity.
    Blair Crosby, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
  • At the rear of the second floor is the primary suite, which has a large walk-in closet and another beautiful bathroom featuring a six-foot soaking tub with a custom glass surround.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • If you fancy boutiques over big brand hotels, this sexy stunner in Dallas’s Harwood District is an absolute must for its great pool, creative cuisine, and sophisticated weekend tea.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2026
  • Continue reading … HISTORIC UPSET — Disallowed goal in extra time leads Paraguay over Germany in stunner at FIFA World Cup.
    , FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • That crazy gorgeous Bad Man Blue, and something Harley has called Inferno Gray with Wet Slide Graphics.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Ahead, find all the gorgeous pedicure ideas to add to your summer mood board.
    Rebecca Norris, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The revival of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical reimagines the ‘80s classic in the style of the Harlem ballroom scene, where each cat is now a human competitor walking the runway and competing in categories like voguing and beauty.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 13 July 2026
  • As a beauty editor, I am blessed with an overflowing stash of some of the best hydrating and active products for mature skin, period.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 July 2026
Adjective
  • As far as tech goes, there’s a 65-inch Samsung smart television with streaming capabilities and a Marshall speaker with quite a fabulous sound system at the marble work desk.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026
  • There’s so many interactions between us and fabulous accidents that just happen.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lovevook Travel Backpack with Packing Cubes This weekender backpack, a cute yet functional option with gold hardware, a drink sleeve with adjustable straps, and a hidden pocket for valuables.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026
  • Oprah and podiatrists agree that the brand’s actually-cute kicks offer ample cushioning and comfort for days spent on your feet.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 10 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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