Definition of lovelynext
1
2

lovely

2 of 2

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 film’s incredibly lovely first trailer gives us a two-minute glimpse at the pains and pleasures to come. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026 Winterberry is a beautiful specimen tree during the winter months, featuring striking berry colors and a lovely branching habit. Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 10 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
  • That there’s a wonderful wedge salad to brighten up the plate is just icing on the cake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Ornamental grasses are a wonderful way to spruce up your lawn or add some softness and movement to your garden.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The nicest of the quartet, Springfield features a large clubhouse, a beautiful practice area with an oversized putting green and a challenging 6,906-yard course that is hilly, woody and will ask you to hit lots of precise shots.
    Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Forests that avoid the worst fire and drought impacts should still offer beautiful color, but the viewing window may be shorter.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That was a stunner, but surely Michigan would come out firing and put the 2025 MAC champions away.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Mali pulled off the first stunner of the Women's Basketball World Cup by shocking Spain 82-73 on Saturday.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • An individual company can maintain excellent controls and favorable claims experience while still facing higher pricing because the market has deteriorated around it.
    Randy Sadler, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Food and drink The property’s on-site restaurant serves decent New American fare in a room that offers the same excellent views as the penthouses, or on the hotel’s delightful terrace during the warmer months.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Everton’s departure from gorgeous, ramshackle Goodison Park — their home since 1892 — was another signal of new beginnings.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Remember that Rockstar Games made the gorgeous Red Dead Redemption 2 on last-gen consoles.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The title character and his fellow physicists spend much of their early years refusing to work for the Soviet military machine; building bombs would corrupt the purity and beauty of their science.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026
  • It’s reflected in toys like squishy NeeDoh cubes and beauty products like jelly cleansers.
    Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Pull on your favorite sweater, grab your hot beverage of choice, and get ready to admire all the autumnal beauty at these US destinations that offer the perfect combo of fabulous foliage, outdoor adventure, fall festivals and events.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Everything that makes Las Vegas fabulous — bright lights, over-the-top design, opulent food and drinks, and eccentric characters — can be found in spades at Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Style this maxi skirt with a dressy blouse, tights, and tall boots for a cute date night ensemble, or dress it down with a sweater and sneakers for more low-key days.
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Everyone was amazed that, yes, this teeny tiny thing was actually a functioning camera that could take relatively good pictures, and not just a cute, decorative keychain.
    Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster