Antonyms for "pretty"
4 kid-friendly opposites of pretty, perfect for writing and vocabulary work.
What does "pretty" mean?
nice to look at Knowing the antonyms of pretty helps kids write comparison sentences and understand contrast in stories.
🦓 Opposite words for pretty
Click any antonym to look it up:
How to use antonyms in writing
Antonyms are powerful in three writing situations:
1. Contrast sentences — "The room was pretty, but the hallway was ugly." Comparing opposites makes descriptions vivid.
2. Character development — Two characters with opposite traits (one pretty, one ugly) create natural tension in a story.
3. Editing for variety — If you've used pretty three times in a paragraph, swap one for an antonym to vary your writing.
FAQ — antonyms for pretty
What is the opposite of pretty?
The most common antonym for pretty is ugly. Other opposites include plain, homely, unattractive.
Are there different antonyms for pretty at different grade levels?
Yes — younger kids learn the simplest opposite first (ugly). Older students can pick more precise antonyms depending on context.
What is a synonym for pretty?
A common K-2 synonym is nice. See the full synonyms page →
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