Definition of delicacynext
1
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury presented with a plate of national delicacies while they waited for the queen

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2
3
as in daintiness
the tendency to be or state of being squeamish the urgent need for blood prompted many people to overcome their habitual delicacy and become first-time donors

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as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences the delicacy of the sensor is such that it will be affected by the slightest vibration

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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 delicacy For fine dining, splurge on a course of Kaga delicacies at Ryotei Otomoro; the chef is said to be the direct descendant of those who cooked for 17th-century local feudal lords. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026 The coast was a near constant companion from the first day on, and our initial lunch stop was the bellwether of what to expect on the culinary front, La Meridiana Relais & Châteaux’s presentation of delicacies from the Italian Riviera. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 11 May 2026 Laced with delicacies of the season including artichokes, fava beans and asparagus, combinations are sometimes predictable, like Risotto with Spring Herbs or Artichoke Risotto with Lemon Zest. Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 The design looks sleek on any countertop; the colors are pleasantly neutral; and the output is heavenly, producing the smoothest of smoothies but also so much else—purées that give whatever delicacy Alison Roman is feeding her baby a run for its money; silky soups and sauces; the list goes on. Air Mail, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • Also try her whoopie pies, a take on the New England sweet treat featuring cakelike cookies with an ube cream cheese filling.
    Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 27 May 2026
  • There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • What is also striking about this period beyond the remarkably swift achievements for Black people living under French rule, however, is the fragility of the nature of progress.
    Jeremy D. Popkin, The Conversation, 28 May 2026
  • Thursday’s data exposed some of that underlying fragility.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • With a daintiness at odds with its 120 kilos, the bear extricates its wrist from the tie and calmly takes its leave.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Jared Bednar’s plan worked, and this core executed it with near-flawless precision in 2022.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The show was muscular, a one-off that brought them back together for a tour of Jay-Z’s catalog with the Roots’ ability to make precision look spontaneous.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Spending has held up, and the economy hasn’t shown the kind of demand collapse that typically accompanies recession-level income weakness.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 June 2026
  • Oftentimes, people associate apologizing too much as a sign of incompetence, weakness or even behavior that’s annoying.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Louisa Loo, Lombard Odier’s head of wealth planning for Asia, said many wealthy Asian families continue to delay succession discussions because of cultural sensitivities and a lack of urgency.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 29 May 2026
  • My own sensitivity to jealousy began early.
    Meehika Barua, Time, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Bryant is a restrained writer, and the fastidiousness of his elastic text does little to allay those who are likely to become inflamed.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • More such fastidiousness will be needed to arrest the domino effect of delegitimization and to renew the small guarantees of truth and dignity in public life customarily provided by legacy institutions.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Integrated force sensors help improve grip control and accuracy, allowing the hand to carry out delicate tasks with consistent performance.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
  • Jennifer Boren Campos Keeps Businesses Organized and Compliant Jennifer Boren Campos, owner of P2 Services, works in an area where accuracy matters every day.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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