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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
This is a lovely sentence, rewarding any reader who recalls the beginning of this fabulous managerial run. Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Real Madrid forward Linda Caicedo rounded off a lovely move in the fourth minute of first-half stoppage time to pull one back for Colombia, but Japan restored its two-goal advantage in the 57th minute through half-time substitute Maika Hamano. Jamie Barton, CNN, 24 Feb. 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
  • So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.
    Esme Mazzeo, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And if your neighborhood doesn’t, start one! Start a Book or Card Club There’s so many wonderful books out there just waiting to be discussed.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Misconceptions are spreading almost as fast as the excitement for what is a really simple, beautiful event.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The moment of Matt seeing Elektra outlined in the rain with his special senses is nothing short of beautiful.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On its quest to do just that, the Dutch yard has come out with a slew of hybrid stunners.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Only 914 examples of this stunner will be built worldwide, selling for $300,000-plus.
    Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • More Deebo Samuel news: 49ers Send Star WR Deebo Samuel to Commanders in Blockbuster Trade Samuel will take his talents to the nation's capital and look to take the Commanders to the next level after an excellent year for the young Washington team.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Alabama got 24 points from Mark Sears and had excellent defensive stretches but couldn’t finish.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Plan your next gourmet meal with this cast iron Dutch oven from Martha Stewart’s gorgeous line of kitchenware.
    Isabel Garcia, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • The town is also home to several gorgeous natural preserves, a vibrant historic downtown with a shockingly robust art scene, and plenty of write-home-about dining and lodging options.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Duke did things to Illinois on Saturday at Madison Square Garden, in a 110-67 eyeful that wasn’t as close as the final score, to shush talk of a weak ACC potentially costing Cooper and the fighting Flaggs a No. 1 seed.
    Joe Rexrode, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Decorated with an assemblage of train signage, colorful lights and faux storefronts, Hibiki BBQ offers an eyeful as guests grill Japanese, Australian and American Wagyu, pork jowl, scallops, beef tongue, vegetables, squid and more.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Wonder also breezes in, with a billionaire’s crash landing into a swimming pool, a fabulous debut novel about womanhood and a gorgeous cookbook that celebrates California’s bounty.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Then something else catches my eye: the fabulous plastic-​​bag dress from 1994, my absolute favorite piece—​and one that Appiolaza will revisit for his upcoming collection.
    Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In December 2024, the brand opened a cute hut that could have been plucked out of a Disney cartoon on the beach of the St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Okay, but how cute is Meghan’s dog, Guy? Love him!!!!
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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