DAINTY Synonyms: 252 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dainty' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice , delicate , elegant , exquisite , and rare . While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate. // dainty sandwiches

Q: When is it sensible to use 'choice' instead of 'dainty'?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind. // choice fabric

Q: When might 'delicate' be a better fit than 'dainty'?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility. // delicate craftsmanship

Q: When would 'elegant' be a good substitute for 'dainty'?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste. // a sumptuous but elegant dining room

Q: When could 'exquisite' be used to replace 'dainty'?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste. // an exquisite gold bracelet

Q: In what contexts can 'rare' take the place of 'dainty'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty , rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

dainty 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of dainty next

as in nice

hard to please you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in elegant

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exquisite

satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delicious

very pleasing to the sense of taste the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dainty

2 of 2

noun

ˈdān-tē

as in treat

something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dainty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is it sensible to use choice instead of dainty?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When might delicate be a better fit than dainty?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would elegant be a good substitute for dainty?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When could exquisite be used to replace dainty?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

In what contexts can rare take the place of dainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of dainty

Adjective

From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style. —

Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024 Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote. —

Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023 The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings. —

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023 But for me, it’s been very classy, very dainty, and polite. —

Breanna Bell, Variety, 10 Apr. 2023 See all Example Sentences for dainty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty

Adjective

Give your sink a nice bubble bath by stopping the drain and filling the basin along with a tablet.

— Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
Elizabeth had started working and spent some of her wages on nice outfits.

— Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025