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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exquisite are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could choice be used to replace exquisite?

While the synonyms choice and exquisite are close in meaning, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When can dainty be used instead of exquisite?

Although the words dainty and exquisite have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

In what contexts can delicate take the place of exquisite?

The words delicate and exquisite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would elegant be a reasonable alternative to exquisite?

The synonyms elegant and exquisite are sometimes interchangeable, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is rare a more appropriate choice than exquisite?

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

rare beauty

Examples 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 exquisite
Adjective
The Relais & Chateau property’s most exquisite accommodations, the Chateau Suites, are filled with period furniture and decor and boast elegant murals and marble bathrooms. Allix Cott, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 Carmello, a three-time Tony nominee, delivers an exquisite performance, equal parts gawky and wise, a tender-hearted girl feeling every slight but also always slightly above the fray. Karen D'souza, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
Affleck has sought out the exquisite before. Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 9 Apr. 2022 The exquisite remains allowed scientists to redescribe the species since Hallucigenia’s important head and mouth features were observable. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2015 See all Example Sentences for exquisite 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • People with conditions like diabetes may take taurine supplements daily for extended periods, while one-time doses of taurine may be helpful before an intense workout or athletic competition.
    Jillian Kubala, RD, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The crowd of songwriters, publishers and other industry members, all garbed in suits and elegant dresses, immediately rose to their feet, clapping and singing along to Owen’s lyrics of flowing rivers, rustic Cajun hideaways and playing baseball with chert rocks.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The vertical stitching looks clean and elegant, and is meant to prevent wrinkles.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 18 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Google | 🌱💡 The tech company continues to roll out subtle but smart sustainability features across many of its platforms.
    CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The effect of these systems is subtle, as the driver should feel heroic, not overridden.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The winds from the swell aren't expected to be strong enough to cause damage, but more winds arriving in Southern California this weekend could have stronger impacts.
    Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Democrats are pushing a resolution condemning the swell of disinformation peddled about recent major hurricanes that hit the Eastern Seaboard, including by politicians.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Amelia needed cooling and intensive medical care for the next 72 hours, but the Grosse Pointe hospital where she was born doesn't have a neonatal intensive care unit.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Research shows that intensive animal agriculture has been implicated in influenza viruses jumping from animals to people, and some believe this bird flu could even become the source of our next pandemic.
    Seema Policepatil, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Because of its class-leading functionality, polish, and usability, Photoshop earns a rare five-star rating and our Editors' Choice award.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • An historic drought is fueling a rare November wildfire in the Northeast.
    Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • From ‘no word for art’ to one of Indian Country’s biggest industries At the Heard Museum in Phoenix last March, artists unloaded beadwork and baskets, paintings, pottery and photography, jewelry, stone and wood sculptures, textiles and delicate works in glass.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • In April 2023, Pearce attended the CMT Music Awards wearing a delicate black dress with elbow-length sleeves and a scoop neckline with thigh-high slits on both sides of the skirt.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024
  • Next came a waltz between all the debutantes and their fathers, who were passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near exquisite

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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