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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 Garavani’s and Giammetti’s passion for decor and rare objects is infused in their beautiful homes around the world, from Capri to Rome, designed by Renzo Mongiardino, New York, London and Gstaad. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025 Our beautiful children inspire me daily. William Earl, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 The way ufotable illuminates the scenes in the movie is just so beautiful. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2025 Unwrap remarkable value in this beautiful collection, which is iconically Vogue. Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • Lanthimos’s gaze, so exactingly attuned to human ugliness, has seldom given us lovelier things to look at.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Those milpas were really lovely, a fit setting for hunting the smartest, gamest bird in the Southwest.
    Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some gorgeous touches and obvious qualities, but he was also bullied out of possession and too often failed to connect with his team-mates in the final third.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The gorgeous town, located on the French Riviera, is a haven for those looking to relax by the gin-clear waters.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mankinlu Maple Leaf Solar Pathway Lights As daylight starts to fade earlier, these cute pathway lights add both charm and function to your yard.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The easiest fix for the age-old struggle between cute and comfy?
    Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Buzelis was awesome in preseason, for what that’s worth, and his 21-point, three-block performance in the opening night win over Detroit included several highlight-worthy clips.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • While Plymouth may be known for turkey dinners and the Pilgrims, its food scene has evolved into an awesome melting pot embracing global cuisine.
    Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Single guests were too busy gawking at the handsome emergency responders to process the severity of the situation.
    Maggie Macintosh, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
  • At a tour of a member’s garden, another attendee commented on a handsome, silvery Sansevieria growing there.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There were those iconic hourglass silhouettes and va-va-voom corsets, but also pin sharp pants and couture-level draping, and some quite fabulous feather and jewel moments.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Dallas is a clear winner, because Rantanen is a fabulous player and signed at a reasonable number.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on beautiful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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