20 Ways to Say “Beautiful”

20 Ways to Say “Beautiful” (with Meanings & Examples)

Hello, English learners 👋 Welcome back! If you find yourself using beautiful a bit too often, you’re not alone. It’s a lovely word—but English gives us far richer options. Today’s lesson will help you add colour, precision, and a more advanced feel to your speaking and writing (perfect for B2–C1 exams, too).

1. Gorgeous

Meaning: very beautiful and attractive.

She looked absolutely gorgeous in her evening gown.

2. Stunning

Meaning: extremely impressive or attractive.

The sunset over the ocean was stunning.

3. Radiant

Meaning: glowing with light, happiness, or health.

Her radiant smile lit up the room.

4. Lovely

Meaning: very pleasing and beautiful in a gentle way.

The garden was full of lovely spring flowers.

5. Exquisite

Meaning: extremely beautiful and delicate, with great attention to detail.

The necklace was exquisite craftsmanship.

6. Attractive

Meaning: pleasing to look at or appealing.

The café has an attractive, cosy atmosphere.

7. Charming

Meaning: pleasantly attractive in a warm, friendly way.

They stayed in a charming little village by the sea.

8. Alluring

Meaning: powerfully attractive or tempting.

The city’s nightlife has an alluring energy.

9. Breathtaking

Meaning: astonishingly beautiful.

The view from the mountain was breathtaking.

10. Elegant

Meaning: graceful, stylish, and tasteful.

She made an elegant entrance at the event.

11. Divine

Meaning: exceptionally beautiful or enjoyable.

The homemade chocolate cake was divine.

12. Striking

Meaning: attracting attention because of unusual beauty.

Her striking features made her unforgettable.

13. Magnificent

Meaning: impressively beautiful or grand.

The cathedral is a magnificent piece of architecture.

14. Dazzling

Meaning: extremely impressive or bright.

It was a dazzling performance from start to finish.

15. Enchanting

Meaning: delightfully charming, almost magical.

They walked through an enchanting forest at dusk.

16. Graceful

Meaning: showing elegance and smooth movement.

The dancer’s movements were light and graceful.

17. Captivating

Meaning: holding attention completely.

Her voice was captivating.

18. Splendid

Meaning: very impressive and beautiful.

We had a splendid view of the river.

19. Fascinating

Meaning: extremely interesting or attractive.

The documentary offered a fascinating insight into wildlife.

20. Picturesque

Meaning: visually charming, like a painting.

They rented a cottage in a picturesque countryside setting.

Final tip for learners

In speaking exams and writing tasks, don’t rely on beautiful alone. Choose your adjective carefully:

• people: gorgeous, striking, radiant
• places: breathtaking, picturesque, charming
• things & experiences: exquisite, splendid, dazzling

This kind of precise vocabulary instantly makes your English sound more natural, confident, and advanced—exactly what examiners love to see.

Learn different ways to say UGLY here

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