LXR nuclear receptor agonists have been previously shown to increase cholesterol efflux, raise plasma HDL cholesterol, stimulate cholesterol excretion, and reduce atherosclerotic lesions. However, these agonists have also been associated with the unwanted side effect of hypertriglyeridemia. This hypertriglyeridemia appears to be mediated by the LXR.alpha. subtype rather than LXR.beta., which suggests that LXR.beta.-selective agonists are attractive candidates for modulation of human lipid metabolism. The present application provides novel LXR.beta.-selective ligands that preferably modulate LXR.beta. over LXR.alpha.. These ligands may be used to treat a variety of diseases associated with LXR, such as for example lipid metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and inflammation.