Definition of comelynext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective comely differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comely are beautiful, fair, handsome, lovely, and pretty. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

When is it sensible to use beautiful instead of comely?

The words beautiful and comely can be used in similar contexts, but beautiful applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses.

beautiful mountain scenery

When would fair be a good substitute for comely?

Although the words fair and comely have much in common, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When might handsome be a better fit than comely?

In some situations, the words handsome and comely are roughly equivalent. However, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How do lovely and beautiful relate to one another, in the sense of comely?

Lovely is close to beautiful but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite.

a lovely melody

Where would pretty be a reasonable alternative to comely?

The meanings of pretty and comely largely overlap; however, 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 comely Here is the story of a comely girl, a mulatto, Margaret Toogood, Maggy. Anna Deavere Smith, The Atlantic, 13 Nov. 2023 Instead, his big conversion comes later, after Rafael takes a fist to the face for dancing with a local tough guy’s comely fiancée. Peter Debruge, Variety, 23 Aug. 2023 Connecticut-raised Troy’s debut novel, Floating, imagines a dinky, dusty town in Arizona where its comely protagonist, Ruby, falls in love with her husband’s estranged, cowboy brother. Hazlitt, 4 May 2022 Chin picks up a slide in comely tones of gray, brown, and off-white. Karen Wright, Discover Magazine, 11 Nov. 2019 See All Example Sentences for comely
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comely
Adjective
  • The Moon in your 8th House of Delicate Topics soothes handsome Jupiter in your 4th House of Roots.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
  • This handsome boy is smart and loves to learn.
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The water tower’s attractive exterior design appears to be an extension of the other residences.
    David Caraccio April 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Analyst Justin Post said that Meta’s recent pullback has now created an attractive opportunity for investors.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Inn stays shut during winter and ‘pack ice’ season, which some locals will tell you is the most beautiful time of all—for snowmobiling and snowshoeing through the Island’s interior by day, and come evening, getting invited into someone's warm shed for a tipple and a chat.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • So much of what Diaspora is doing is making sure that the farmers’ spices are getting to you in a beautiful, fresh state.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, all of the discourse is taking place on the lovely, totally non-toxic place that is the internet.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026
  • And your answers were so lovely.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Best Amazon Shoes and Accessories Deals Round out your spring wardrobe with supportive shoes, cute bags, and fun accessories from brands like Brooks, Kate Spade, and Kendra Scott.
    Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In the middle of the garden is a seating area with simple but cute second-hand furniture and a three-tier stone fountain from Backyard X-Scapes on Sorrento Valley Road.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the village's old marketplace, 18 pretty rooms are arranged around a pool courtyard.
    Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Pink and white jelly floral nails Floral manicures are always pretty, but this look takes the feminine vibe to the next level.
    Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Louise touched her phone screen to look at the picture of Diana again—gorgeous Diana smiling into the wind, all that thick hair billowing.
    Catherine Lacey, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
  • That’s where this utterly gorgeous face-framing look comes in.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Most regions in the country are brimming with high-end hotels and charming bed and breakfasts, but staying at an Airbnb is a very Parent Trap move that gives you a closer connection to the area.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2026
  • As charming as this set of tracks is, why release them now?
    Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comely.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comely. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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