PRETTY Synonyms: 444 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'pretty' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pretty are beautiful , comely , fair , handsome , and lovely . While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," pretty often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness. // a painter of conventionally pretty scenes

Q: When is 'beautiful' a more appropriate choice than 'pretty'?

The words beautiful and pretty 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

Q: How do 'comely' and 'handsome' relate to one another, in the sense of 'pretty'?

Comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to. // the comely grace of a dancer

Q: Where would 'fair' be a reasonable alternative to 'pretty'?

In some situations, the words fair and pretty are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness. // fair of face

Q: When might 'handsome' be a better fit than 'pretty'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pretty , handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance. // a handsome Georgian mansion

Q: How are the words 'lovely' and 'beautiful' related as synonyms of 'pretty'?

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

pretty 1 of 3

adjective

ˈpri-tē

Definition of pretty

as in beautiful

very pleasing to look at a pretty young girl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in nice

giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses she was not a pretty sight after she fell off her horse and into the mud

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in suitable

meeting the requirements of a purpose or situation their misalliance is as pretty an example of an ill-conceived marriage as you're likely to find

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pretty

2 of 3

adverb

ˈpri-tē

as in relatively

to some degree or extent we've had some pretty cold weather lately

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pretty

3 of 3

noun

as in looker

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pretty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pretty are beautiful, comely, fair, handsome, and lovely. While all these words mean "exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure," pretty often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness.

a painter of conventionally pretty scenes

When is beautiful a more appropriate choice than pretty?

The words beautiful and pretty 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

How do comely and handsome relate to one another, in the sense of pretty?

Comely is like handsome in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to.

the comely grace of a dancer

Where would fair be a reasonable alternative to pretty?

In some situations, the words fair and pretty are roughly equivalent. However, fair suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness.

fair of face

When might handsome be a better fit than pretty?

While in some cases nearly identical to pretty, handsome suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance.

a handsome Georgian mansion

How are the words lovely and beautiful related as synonyms of pretty?

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

a lovely melody

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 pretty

Adjective

Its ornate yet symmetrical design features pretty boxes with intricate floral and geometric prints. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026 Each is generously spacious with cloud-like beds and pretty balconies that overlook the sea. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026

Adverb

Every team is gunning for the tag titles but it was made pretty clear who the top contenders were on Sunday. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 This sexy thriller got mixed reviews on its release but became a pretty big hit anyway, propelling its stars higher and even launching a franchise. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Noun

Rounding the culinary experiences out is Pistachio, the pastel-pretty café for sweet treats and fresh coffee. — Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2025 From Saturday, March 1, to Saturday, April 12, 2025 pretty Venus goes retrograde. — Sophie Saint Thomas, Allure, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretty

Adjective

Arguably, the most beautiful version of this trend right now is the love-layers cut.

— Lucy Binder, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
The meltwater pouring off Bråsvellbreen like waterfalls, though breathtakingly beautiful, was another sobering reminder of the consequences of global warming.

— Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of beautiful

Adjective

Then, the Valkyries head coach changed her lineup to one suitable to switch on every Liberty offensive set.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026
For meat to be considered halal and suitable for consumption by Muslims, animals must be healthy and treated humanely before slaughter.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adverb

For reference, antimony is a relatively scarce metal/mineral used in things like flame retardants, batteries, electronics, and defense applications.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Its relatively rapid custom timeline—delivering boots in 6 to 12 months—is also a plus.

— Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of relatively

Noun

The analysis examined how many lookers pursued both living options across 50 large metropolitan areas, as well as a national benchmark.

— Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
One was a real looker but not keen to enter some charade with Jed, whose big smile put her off.

— Thomas McGuane, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2026

Definition of looker

Adjective

The cabin interiors are built from a lovely blonde wood, which was aesthetically pleasing, if a little creaky at times, while the white linens on the comfortable queen bed were a subtle reminder that this is a luxury accommodation.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
McGraw gave a lovely tribute to Parton via social media this week.

— David Wysong, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of lovely

Adjective

Coupled with improving economic growth and rising financial stability risks, the Bank of Korea may need to raise policy rates at an appropriate juncture.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Carrington in particular models what some have termed an ecofeminist approach, one that does not appropriate animals for the artist’s own self-revelation but instead develops kinship across species.

— Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of appropriate

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prettiness

pretty

pretty boy

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“Pretty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretty. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pretty

adjective

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Synonyms of pretty

adjective

adverb

noun

Synonym Chooser

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Phrases Containing pretty

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10 Better Ways to Say Underwear

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