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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
Leaves are trifoliate and a lovely blue-green in color, presenting a perfect contrast to the brilliant yellow pigmentation of its flowers, a color that has been described as startling, electric, phosphorescent and high voltage. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025 An homage to the complicated 1998 Reverso Géographique, this lovely new model —available in both stainless steel as well as pink gold — provides dual dials: On the obverse is a classic blue enamel face with sub-seconds and a grande date display below 12 o’clock. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
The vegetables: Along with the summer lovelies mentioned above, some people get all crazy and put mushrooms in their ratatouille. James P. Dewan, chicagotribune.com, 13 Aug. 2019 Here are some of the lovelies that were arrested recently -- the Berkeley deal. Fox News, 29 Aug. 2018 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • There are these beautiful moments of the scene kind of mirroring the real world experience of having this happen in the show.
    Samantha Highfill, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Synonymous with quiet luxury, Jenni Kayne’s cropped cashmere cardigan is perfect for casual moments in beautiful places.
    Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • David would score a stunner of a goal five minutes later.
    Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Bulldogs pulled off a stunner on Thursday, knocking off No. 6 Missouri in a rebuke of the SEC’s regular season dominance.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Two standout experiences near the water include Schooner’s in the Caribbean Village, open for breakfast and dinner (chef Chris’s swordfish steak was excellent) as well as Barefoot by the Sea in the Italian Village.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Rear space is excellent, with plenty of legroom and headroom, accentuated by the panoramic sunroof.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • If so, Heesen’s new 180-foot Project Agnetha, with a gorgeous interior by Italian designer Luca Dini, should float your boat.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Comments The White Lotus, Mike White’s Emmy-winning HBO series, offers many pleasures, from sharp writing and gorgeous locations to some of the best ensembles on TV.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The filmmakers ensure that viewers similar in age to the kids on screen get an eyeful of what those robotics gatherings are like for their contestants, who arrive from all over the globe.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Overall, Printemps New York is a multifaceted, visual eyeful, where the architecture and decor might overwhelm the merchandise for some.
    David Moin, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sweet Samara is a fabulous companion, available for adoption with Our Companions Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025
  • South Coast Plaza, event partner for the 21st straight year, will feature fabulous fall fashion from its collection of luxury retailers and international designers, according to a news release.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, shop cute styles for brunch with friends or date night.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This cute upstairs cafe at the English Market is a great choice for tea, cakes or lunch.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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