dulcet

Pleasing to hear

Dulcet describes sounds that are sweet, soothing, and pleasing to the ear: dulcet tones, a dulcet voice.

The word is literary and often appears with gentle irony—someone's dulcet tones may be anything but melodious.

Genuinely, it suggests music or speech that charms rather than grates.

melodic

harmonious

Pleasingly in accord

tunefulPleasing in sound
sonorousDeep and full-toned
melodiousAgreeable in sound

lyrical · mellifluous · euphonious · cantabile · lilting · silvery · honeyed · musical · resonant · symphonic

gentle

soft

Yielding to touch

tenderSoft or sore
mildModerate in intensity
smoothWithout roughness or difficulty

delicate · soothing · mellow · subdued · whispery · hushed · murmuring · caressing · featherlight · silken

calming

soothing

Reducing distress or discomfort

tranquilCalm and untroubled
sereneUntroubled and composed
peacefulFree from disturbance

restful · lulling · placid · comforting · reassuring · balmy · dreamy · hypnotic · soporific · relaxing

Categories

sound qualitiesloudness, pitch, tone, faintness, clarity
sweet tastessweet, sugary, sweetness, honeyed, syrupy
soothing tonessoothing, soft, gentle, calm, peaceful
sweetened foodssugared, honeyed, candied, glazed, frosted
bell soundsringing, chime, chiming, tolling, pealing

Opposites

sound quality

dulcetharsh

Unpleasantly severe or rough

grating · strident · raucous · discordant · cacophonous

sensory pleasantness

dulcetunpleasant

Causing discomfort or distaste

disagreeable · offensive · distasteful · obnoxious · odious

Phrases

dulce de lecheCaramelized condensed milk spread
dulcet tonesSweet, pleasing sounds
pan dulceMexican sweetened baked goods
hammer dulcimerTrapezoid stringed percussion instrument
mountain dulcimerFretted American folk zither

Family

dulcimer, dulce

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G