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
Nearby Priego de Córdoba has some lovely tapas spots and fruit and vegetable stands with incredible fresh produce. — Alicia Sanchez, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026 Complete with a lovely bit of two-person shtick from Johnson and host Desi Lydic at the end. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 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
  • Guests have access to the wonderful 18-hole course next door.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • With the Moon in your sign opposing Venus in your partnership zone, affection could feel wonderful one minute and intrusive the next.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Belugas are beautiful, mystical creatures; anyone proximate to them would feel their loss acutely.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Set the scene Beyond the majestic main building, which sits on one of the endless curves of the Amalfi road, there are two new villas in addition to an older one, the beautiful Romeo e Giulietta.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Although Shorts seems like a left-field stunner, in retrospect its success made perfect sense.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The film was already a smash hit out of its Cannes premiere, but with this TIFF win, the Netflix stunner launches straight into the heart of this year’s awards season.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Longbridge is an excellent option, especially for those looking to save money.
    — Liz Knueven,Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Pricing for the conversion starts at 100,000 euros, or roughly $113,670, but does not include the donor 944, which runs around $60,000 in excellent condition, according to Hagerty.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Palm Grove is a gorgeous, sophisticated toile; red-and-white ticking stripe has a classic, polished look that feels fresh and timeless.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Or maybe Pitt simply wanted to get his Jack London on, traipsing throughout gorgeous natural terrain and ruffling his co-star’s fur in between fending off feral wolves and navigating impromptu whitewater rafting trips sans the raft.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fontanez is certainly striking while the iron is hot, as interest in men’s beauty continues to rise at a rapid clip.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Why Shop With Us Irene Richardson is an editor at InStyle, covering fashion and beauty trends.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Read ahead for 24 fabulous elopement dresses that’ll help make your big day memorable.
    — Sarah Zendejas, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For a fabulous ’90s New York experience, Jones loves showing up early at Shun Lee West.
    — Fiorella Valdesolo, Curbed, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Dress it up with a skirt or trousers for holiday celebrations, date nights, and other special occasions, or team it with leggings for a comfy yet cute outfit to lounge in.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The rubber sole gives these slim sneakers enhanced traction and a sporty look that’s cute paired with joggers or leggings.
    — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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