Writer Tools · adjective

Words Instead of beautiful

"Beautiful" applies to faces, sunsets, music, and ideas alike — which is precisely why it says very little. Specificity is more beautiful.

Writing tip

Consider what kind of beauty: radiant (bright, glowing), ethereal (otherworldly, delicate), resplendent (brilliantly impressive), sublime (awe-inspiring beyond ordinary beauty).

12 Alternatives to “beautiful

1
resplendent
Literary

attractively impressive through richness or colour

2
radiant

glowing and visibly emanating light or happiness

3
luminous

softly bright or glowing; full of light

4
ethereal
Literary

extremely delicate and light; almost too beautiful for this world

5
breathtaking

astonishingly beautiful, to the point of stopping breath

6
sublime

of such excellence or beauty as to inspire awe

7
exquisite

extremely beautiful and delicate

8
striking

dramatically impressive; commanding the eye

9
arresting
Literary

so remarkable as to stop one in one's tracks

10
ravishing
Literary

delightfully beautiful; enchanting

11
stunning

extremely impressive or attractive

12
comely
Archaic / Historical

pleasant to look at; attractive

Register guide

Literary
elevated, prose-friendly
Formal
professional, non-fiction
Casual
dialogue, informal writing
Archaic
historical fiction, worldbuilding

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