Definition of beautifulnext
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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 Learning, creating, loving, growing things, taking care of living things or beautiful things, working toward valuable ends—all of these pursuits involve change, and all involve regular, everyday life and engagements with Everyday Meaning. Literary Hub, 18 Mar. 2026 SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026 These classic Ikon knives are beautiful and balanced, with a good weight to them. Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026 Not only was the garden beautiful, but just the time spent together was beautiful and important and nurturing, all of those things that go into creating a garden. Jennifer Vanasco, NPR, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beautiful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beautiful
Adjective
  • There’s a lovely, gentle soapy smell throughout the hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Although the focus is on architecture, many of the homes in the landmark district have lovely landscaped backyards that guests are welcome to visit and admire.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Coast Guard is a huge piece of this puzzle, and to be able to see the Coast Guard come to realization is wonderful.
    John Ramos, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Something wonderful could drop into your lap in mid-June.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the Falcons answered with six consecutive points, including a gorgeous 3-point play by Banks-Thomas.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Other finds include a gorgeous wine decanter for $70 that helps aerate wine, plus cozy throw pillows for just $33.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their egg dishes are excellent, the burger is top-notch and the roasted chicken, which is cooked over an open fire in the kitchen, is superb.
    Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The bralette-style cups on this dual-strap tankini top are an excellent fit for smaller chests, and the criss-crossing back is a fun touch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Though when he’s finally seen in full evil flight, the actor is arguably allowed to wax a little too cute about it.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Place them in a cute Weck jar and have a little pickle fork handy.
    Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • View this post on Instagram Palou, who finished second, described the pass by Kirkwood as awesome.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • So it's been a really awesome thing.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Alas, most perennials and biennials will develop into handsome plants this year if started by seed, but few will blossom before next year.
    Henry Homeyer, The Providence Journal, 13 Mar. 2026
  • James was six years older than Trish, adventurous and handsome, their parents’ favorite.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But the ceremony has also become known for the fabulous fashion worn on the red carpet.
    Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Conversely, my home is in a quiet neighborhood, has a three-car garage, not far from the shore, with fabulous climate, lovely views, twice the size of his, and half the price.
    Irv Erdos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Beautiful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beautiful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.

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