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Definition of lovelynext
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lovely

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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
Moonstone Beach is a must for its lovely views and one-mile boardwalk, and Sea Chest Oyster Bar is a great choice for a meal. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026 On her wedding day, the bride presented me with a lovely and thoughtful gift in the $50-$75 range as a thank-you for my role in her wedding. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
Noun
But don’t despair, my scarred and scarring lovelies. Matt Thompson, Spin, 10 Sep. 2023 Serve these layered lovelies in old-fashioned glasses to make the treat extra special. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
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
  • There’s even a kids play room on the ground floor with a beautiful, handmade rocking horse and a big toy kitchen.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • The brand channels its Ukrainian roots with beautiful embroidery on traditional silhouettes, then easily shifts into contemporary minimalism with an edge that never abandons its cultural and aesthetic roots.
    Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • The 288-foot stunner, formerly known as Project Vento, has now been christened Angelique.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
  • The two screwed up a top-rope stunner as Excalibur struggled to explain what happened like a 2026 Jim Ross.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Well Retinol Body Lotion and more can't-miss retinol beauty products deals below.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026
  • That shift says something revealing about how modern consumers now want to shop for beauty.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 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
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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