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
This sumptuous scent features a lovely blend of coconut milk, orchid, and vetiver for a bright yet grounded fragrance. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 The narrator, a girl who appears to be human, introduces readers to her family and neighbors, all of whom are perfectly lovely—and distinctly extraterrestrial. Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 1 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
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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
  • Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 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 beauty of the property itself affords endless opportunities to stop and admire, and provide context for the great artist's oeuvre.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The Historic Festival brings together a diverse field of historic racing machines for a Labor Day Weekend celebration of speed, sound and beauty with classes that range from pre-war open-wheel cars to the sports and formula cars of the postwar era.
    Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That's exactly what makes New York so fabulous in the first place.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This warm, spicy, and slightly sweet fragrance is also a fabulous fall aroma, thanks to its blend of Violet leaf, cassis, jasmine, cinnamon, oakmoss, patchouli, vanilla, and caramel.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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