Meaning & use
cuter
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“cuter” is a form of “cute”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
adjectivecomparableinformal
More charming and sweet in a way that makes you smile than another person or thing.
Grammar: Comparative of cute; often followed by than: cuter than her brother.
Patterns
- cuter than something
The puppy is even cuter than the kitten.
Which of these hats is cuter?
She looked cuter in the new coat.
adjectivecomparableinformaldisapproving
More clever in a showy or annoying way, as when someone tries too hard to seem smart.
Grammar: Often critical; with an extra sense of being too clever.
Don't get cuter with me; answer the question.
The ad grew cuter and more annoying each year.
Common combinations
- even cuter
- The baby is even cuter in person.
- much cuter
- That dress is much cuter.
- cuter than ever
- She looks cuter than ever.
- a little cuter
- The smaller one is a little cuter.
- cuter and cuter
- The kittens got cuter and cuter.
Synonyms and how they differ
- sweeter
- Sweeter focuses on gentle charm or kind nature, while cuter is about a lovable look.
- prettier
- Prettier stresses beauty, while cuter suggests small, charming appeal.
- more adorable
- More adorable is stronger, suggesting a feeling of wanting to cuddle.
- more charming
- More charming is more neutral and can describe manners, not only looks.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: cuter or acuter?
cuter vs acuter
Acuter is the comparative of acute, meaning sharper or more severe, and is rarely used.
Practice
Of the two kittens, the gray one is ___.
Choose one answer.
For two things, use the comparative cuter. Cutest is for three or more.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “cuter”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.