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Definition of prettynext
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as in nice
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses she was not a pretty sight after she fell off her horse and into the mud

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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pretty

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adverb

pretty

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pretty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pretty are beautiful, comely, fair, handsome, and lovely. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," pretty often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness.

a painter of conventionally pretty scenes

When is beautiful a more appropriate choice than pretty?

The words beautiful and pretty can be used in similar contexts, but beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

beautiful mountain scenery

How do comely and handsome relate to one another, in the sense of pretty?

Comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

Where would fair be a reasonable alternative to pretty?

In some situations, the words fair and pretty are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When might handsome be a better fit than pretty?

While in some cases nearly identical to pretty, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How are the words lovely and beautiful related as synonyms of pretty?

Lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

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 pretty
Adjective
Whereas Heineman’s film used its incredible access to the central couple to capture moments that come across as beautifully and uncomfortably intimate and unstaged, Bergh (The Greatest Love Story Never Told) uses his access to make everything pretty and entirely too contrived. Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 Inevitably, this information vacuum has encouraged some pretty out-there speculation. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 9 June 2026
Adverb
But that was a line that kind of dropped in pretty close to showtime, and there was a couple other lines. Michael Schneider, Variety, 10 June 2026 The Republican Hilton held a lead of at least 300,000 votes and four percentage points over Steyer pretty much since the primary a week ago, even as Becerra passed him for first place several days in. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2026
Noun
From Saturday, March 1, to Saturday, April 12, 2025 pretty Venus goes retrograde. Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 Situated in the scenic village of Alfriston, the hotel is surrounded by a bustling community famed for throwing fetes and fayres on the ‘Tye’ (the village green), the sweeping South Downs National Park and chocolate-box-pretty pubs. Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for pretty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretty
Adjective
  • Near Santiago is La Vega, the birthplace of the Dominican Carnival, and the beautiful city of Jarabacoa, famous for its mountainous landscapes, ideal for those seeking adventure and ecotourism.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Ed Balint, Canton Repository Amish country With a simplistic lifestyle, homegrown traditions and beautiful scenery, Ohio's Amish country provides a unique insight into a specific American history and heritage.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • After Silseth, though, the Angels’ relievers did a nice job and the hitters executed in the 10th to push home the winner.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 11 June 2026
  • The interior measures 420 sq ft (39 sq m) and is finished in shiplap and drywall, with a tongue-and-groove feature wall and exposed timber beams, which are a nice touch.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sand was delivered in eight truckloads on Wednesday, and then spread across the arena floor to build a sand court that is suitable for the world’s best beach volleyball players.
    Jason Stromberg, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
  • The trial was repeatedly delayed because of difficulties finding suitable translators.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
Adverb
  • An engaging vertical series can produce bigger bang for the buck than one-off collabs with digital influencers, execs says, coming in with a relatively affordable production budget.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 11 June 2026
  • Testing kits used in the region were designed to detect the Zaire strain of the virus, which is more common, rather than the Bundibugyo virus, which is relatively rare.
    Adam England, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Noun
  • The analysis examined how many lookers pursued both living options across 50 large metropolitan areas, as well as a national benchmark.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • One was a real looker but not keen to enter some charade with Jed, whose big smile put her off.
    Thomas McGuane, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Accessibility The Dominick is a dog-friendly property– where pups under 25 pounds are allowed for a lovely stay (for a $250 pet fee).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026
  • The crochet eyelet design gives this set an expensive feel, and the skirt hits at a lovely spot between midi and maxi.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • And then the 1970s British folk rock gives way to a less pleasant auditory landscape, as the hum appears, bringing on headaches and nosebleeds and affecting her concentration and mood, her work and family.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • There's the pleasant experience of interacting with them.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The fourth-quarter comeback was incredibly appropriate.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • The most appropriate action is to drive to the closest shelter available.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pretty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretty. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

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