Definition of beautifulnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective beautiful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of beautiful are comely, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," 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 beautiful?

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

the comely grace of a dancer

When can fair be used instead of beautiful?

The words fair and beautiful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When could handsome be used to replace beautiful?

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

a handsome Georgian mansion

How do lovely and beautiful relate to one another?

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

a lovely melody

In what contexts can pretty take the place of beautiful?

The words pretty and beautiful can be used in similar contexts, but 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 beautiful SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 May 2026 Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives for whale shark diving, so the resort offers more than just beautiful beaches. Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 This could be the start of a beautiful rivalry. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 Jackie Lau’s been making char siu buns for a long time, beautiful round pillows, stuffed with the honey-barbecue pork, rich and red, the color of joy and prosperity, that her husband, Jerry, has been making for an even longer time. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • Our lovely guide Sherelyn took us out to one of her favorite spots, a little backyard tasting room run by winemaker Simon Groves, who runs labels Groves and Filly with his wife, Amanda Ritchie, as well as the Foley family's Runholder.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026
  • Nymph is soft and sweet and hot and pungent and textured and strange and lovely.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Her trick is to create a gorgeous tablescape that feels intentional and thoughtful by draping the folding table in a beautiful tablecloth and layering on plates, napkins, and candles.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 30 May 2026
  • Tabitha Brown, Nina Westbrook, Anna Malaika Tubbs and Mara Brock Akil are a gorgeous girl group at the 4th Annual Women's Wellness Brunch on May 29 in Los Angeles.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Seb Stafford-Bloor’s excellent Transfer Tiers series is moving on to central defenders today.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • The right-shot defenseman has had an excellent tournament for Finland, who advanced to the semifinals with a win over Czechia.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Right now, the comfy-cute cute walking shoes are on sale from just $55.
    Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 30 May 2026
  • My favorites include breezy linen co-ords, casual-but-cute loungewear sets, and elevated athleisure styles that work for basically everything — starting at $21.
    Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, the pretty pictures of the Moon were awesome, but the inspiration is far more valuable.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • While domestic is +10% in weekend 3, international is up an awesome +39%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Barragán originally set out to find the man who scammed his mother by posing as a handsome American soldier, but now interrogates four of these young men, illuminating their psychological tactics, economic hardships and moral dilemmas.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 30 May 2026
  • With handsome, compound foliage that remains evergreen in frost-free areas, this heat and drought tolerant shrub makes a lovely accent or focal point.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The pool on the 18th floor has a fabulous view of the central business district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Meryl-Inspired White Jeans If dresses aren’t your thing, Streep’s relaxed white jeans are a fabulous alternative.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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