lovely 1 of 2

Definition of lovelynext
1
2

lovely

2 of 2

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
Of course, there are many lovely actors who are curious and ask you questions about yourself and are normal, but a lot of them have been suffering from long-term main character energy and don’t have the magnetic personality to offset their narcissism. Ryan O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026 The main upgrade to the living room is a lovely set of built-ins. Katie McDonough, Curbed, 4 May 2026
Noun
The first flowering of the reblooming variety of these perennial lovelies is in June. Erynn Hassinger, Country Living, 22 Apr. 2023 No, Colin Frissell hooking up with the three lovelies in Wisconsin. Kyle Smith, National Review, 10 Dec. 2019 See All Example Sentences for lovely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lovely
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Two-year-old Mala Audio Bar sets its cocktails to the crackle of vintage vinyl, while Konbini hides behind a grocery storefront, opening into a Colombian-Japanese speakeasy where disco and highballs collide amid a beautiful crowd.
    Allie Lazar, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • My father, a boy, sat in the back seat with his brothers and Choute—Duchess of Montmoreau, née de Troguindy, a beautiful and aristocratic woman who went by this single childhood nickname.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Rihanna told Vanity Fair of her 16-foot stunner from the red carpet.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
  • Blunt wore a gothic Dior stunner with a tutu in London.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Conversations around excellent kebabs in Southern California tend to begin with the Martirosyan family and their Mini Kabob in Glendale.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The lighting, art design and score are all excellent – and the single shot construction gives the film a dreamy, meditative quality.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Use trailing varieties as spillers or to fill hanging baskets, and mounding varieties as gorgeous fillers.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
  • Want to capture a gorgeous meteor photo for yourself?
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Miss Yvonne insisted on her beauty constantly, unapologetically, nonstop, even when no one asked.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 7 May 2026
  • The festival is broken into two halves, with an Intermission Party in between, featuring festive food, creative opportunities, and music, offering a chance to mingle with the artists and fellow guests amid the beauty of the farm.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Kelsey Calemine, Chelsea Lazkani, and Jamie Chung look glowy and fabulous at the Glow Recipe Cushion World VIP preview event in Los Angeles on April 30.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
  • Annual With succulent foliage and large, brightly colored blooms, portulaca or moss rose makes a fabulous selection for containers in hot, dry sites.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The clothes were cute, though, if not a little costumey.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 1 May 2026
  • This adorable cloud pillow shows Harry’s iconic lightning bolt scar and is a seriously cute addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 1 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lovely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lovely. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lovely

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster