savoir faire

noun

sa·​voir faire ˌsav-ˌwär-ˈfer 

: capacity for appropriate action

especially : a polished sureness in social behavior

Choose the Right Synonym for savoir faire

tact, address, poise, savoir faire mean skill and grace in dealing with others.

tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

Examples of savoir faire in a Sentence

I admire her sophistication and savoir faire.

He handled the problem with his usual savoir faire.

Recent Examples on the Web

Powered by the brand’s Calibre 2460 automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve, these stunning pieces are top-shelf collector’s items that bring together the very best aspects of Vacheron Constantin’s savoir faire. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025

Compelling for their incredible micro-engineering and aesthetics, QPs draw attention to the brand’s savoir faire and act as a calling card for its capabilities as a watchmaker. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025

Carefully removing and preserving wall panels from estates and palaces and replicating them with masterful French savoir faire is what has driven the Féau Boiseries’ popularity in the upper echelons of society for the past 150 years. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025

The latest in Van Cleef & Arpels’s historic line of precious decorative objects, this one-of-a-kind piece is at once a feat of artisanal savoir faire and a flourish of figurative artistry. —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French savoir-faire, literally, knowing how to do

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for savoir faire

• aftercare
• anywhere
• billionaire
• chinaware
• debonair
• dinnerware
• disrepair
• doctrinaire
• earthenware
• everywhere
• frigidaire
• kitchenware