heavenly

adjective

heav·​en·​ly ˈhe-vən-lē 

1

: of or relating to heaven or the heavens : celestial

the heavenly choirs

use a telescope to study the heavenly bodies

2

a

: suggesting the blessed state of heaven : beatific

heavenly peace

b

: delightful

heavenliness noun

Synonyms

• A-OK
• A1
• awesome
• bang-up
• banner
• beautiful
• blue-chip
• blue-ribbon
• boffo
• bonny [chiefly British]
• bonnie
• boss [slang]
• brag
• brave
• bully
• bumper
• capital
• choice
• classic
• cool [slang]
• corking
• crackerjack
• cracking
• dandy
• divine
• dope [slang]
• down [slang]
• dynamite
• excellent
• fab
• fabulous
• famous
• fantabulous [slang]
• fantastic
• fine
• first-class
• first-rate
• first-string
• five-star
• four-star
• frontline
• gangbusters
• gangbuster
• gilt-edged
• gilt-edge
• gone [slang]
• grand
• great
• groovy
• high-class
• hot
• hype [slang]
• immense
• jim-dandy
• keen
• lovely
• marvelous
• marvellous
• mean
• neat
• nifty
• noble
• number one
• No. 1
• numero uno
• out-of-sight [slang]
• par excellence
• peachy
• peachy keen
• phat [slang]
• prime
• primo [slang]
• prize
• prizewinning
• quality
• radical [slang]
• righteous [slang]
• sensational
• slick
• splendid
• stellar
• sterling
• superb
• superior
• superlative
• supernal
• swell
• terrific
• tip-top
• top
• top-notch
• top-of-the-line
• top-shelf
• topflight
• topping [chiefly British]
• unsurpassed
• wizard [chiefly British]
• wonderful

Examples of heavenly in a Sentence

The weather on vacation was heavenly.

Do not concern yourself with material possessions, but with things heavenly, the prophet admonished.

the moon, stars, and other heavenly bodies

had a heavenly time at the dance

Recent Examples on the Web

Similar to Western astrology's elements (fire, water, earth, air), Chinese zodiacs pair with one of the five elements in the heavenly frequency (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

The heavenly ruler promised that if the snake won a race competition against the other animals, which would eventually dictate the order of the zodiac, the snake could win a prize and potentially get his legs back. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Rulers have promised heavenly rewards to quiet demand for earthly justice. —Moriah Ratner, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024

The holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. —Jennifer Borresen, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing heavenly

• heavenly body

Kids Definition

heavenly

adjective

heav·​en·​ly ˈhev-ən-lē 

1

: of or relating to heaven or the heavens

heavenly bodies such as the stars

2

: suggesting the blessed state of heaven

heavenly grace

3

: completely delightful

a heavenly day

heavenliness noun