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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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
In 2026, the preppy shoe got a refresh—the silhouette comes in pretty suede hues, or with sleek buckles and studs, and maximalists can even grab the flats in fun animal prints like snake and leopard. Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026 Designed with pretty pleats and a billowy silhouette, this A-line style delivers a polished look without sacrificing comfort thanks to its ruffled elastic waistband. Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026
Adverb
This is pretty solid, but doesn't beat Samsung's six-year commitment for the Galaxy A37, nor Google's seven-year promise for the Pixel 10a. Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 3 Aug. 2026 Which is pretty risky business — these products are Mielle’s best-sellers and fear of losing access to the original formula has struck nerves in the past. James Manso, Allure, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
Rounding the culinary experiences out is Pistachio, the pastel-pretty café for sweet treats and fresh coffee. Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2025 From Saturday, March 1, to Saturday, April 12, 2025 pretty Venus goes retrograde. Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretty
Adjective
  • Headed somewhere with beautiful (albeit hilly) cobblestoned streets?
    Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying and absolutely funny.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Her parents were able to buy a nice home in the Seattle area for $300,000 and still afford different extracurricular activities for her and her siblings.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The puffiness that may come with a little late-night partying when the weather is nice is no match for this serum's ability to de-puff eye bags.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For all of the wonderfully talented players that the City academy are bringing through, there have been no suitable deep-lying midfielders on the conveyor belt — even Nico O’Reilly was better as an attacking midfielder in his academy days.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The debate is no longer about whether the CLARITY Act contains suitable ethics provisions.
    Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Muluk Spa is relatively compact with serene treatment rooms illuminated by flickering candle-like lights.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Though less volatile, median measures are relatively slow to respond to inflation shocks.
    David Zhang, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 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
  • One of the loveliest times of day is in the morning when sun streams through the windows that look out onto the street.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By this lovely account, Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium’s demolition was a dignified affair.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Once the trailer made its way on TikTok, women flooded the comment sections in pleasant confusion, and their reactions did not disappoint.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The briny, slightly sweet and smoky ham notes in these slices make for an enjoyable, pleasant bite — for those who love ham.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The implementation of this Roadmap, including the issue of weapons and other articles of the comprehensive peace plan, shall create appropriate conditions for a credible pathway towards achieving Palestinian self-determination and statehood.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
  • Infectious fun All the game’s content is rich in theme—the items have scientific-sounding names, and the stages pose thematically appropriate hazards.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pretty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretty. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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