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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of delicate are choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would choice be a reasonable alternative to delicate?

The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

In what contexts can dainty take the place of delicate?

While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When can elegant be used instead of delicate?

Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is it sensible to use exquisite instead of delicate?

The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could rare be used to replace delicate?

The meanings of rare and delicate largely overlap; however, 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 delicate Related Video Billie Eilish Invites ‘Vogue’ Backstage During Her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Tour The only question is, which tinted sunscreen is the best one to carry your delicate skin through the winter? Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025 But even though the tech has made strides, the replicating subtle, delicate, nuanced sensations of touch has remained just out of reach. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025 They are known for their delicate appearance, long and thin white stems, and small, button-like caps. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 But this transition period is a delicate moment, when the country could be caught off guard if the situation suddenly changes, says Goodman, who recommends the Biden administration share its pandemic playbook so incoming officials can game out different pandemic scenarios and assess readiness. Will Stone, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for delicate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
  • The quiet luxury aesthetic requires a bit more effort than its name suggests: This trend in decor—particularly with paint colors—is all about giving off subtle sophistication.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
  • For those who don’t mesh with the plum tones of Black Honey can shop Clinique Pink Honey instead, which offers the same sheer wash of color in an even more subtle pink tone.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Allergies acting up: Homeowners who are sensitive to dust, pollen, or animal hair may notice their allergies acting up before anything else.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
  • During the 2024 presidential campaign, as Musk embraced the Republican Party and then Trump, his pro-China views brought him into conflict with parts of the MAGA coalition, including on the sensitive topic of immigration.
    John Hyatt, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even before he got married and started a family, there were moments when the fragile nature of life came suddenly, violently into focus for Cumberbatch.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Nashville, in taking control of the game against the fragile Sharks, scored twice in 53 seconds midway through the second period and added three more goals in the first 8:09 of the third.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An especially fun one is The Group, his soapy adaptation of the 1963 novel by Mary McCarthy, in which wedding guests lunch at the elegant old Brevoort Hotel before trailing the happy couple to the subway (and throwing rice down the stairs after them).
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Regardless of whether it's worn as an elegant dress or in a classic button-up shirt, this shade demonstrates remarkable versatility while maintaining its impact.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its economy is already facing a deepening malaise, brought on by a property crisis, mounting government debt and weak consumer spending.
    David Pierson, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The team continues to play great with a different weak spot each season, so maybe that’s part of the excitement and drama of being a fan of the franchise now. · 5h 1m ago Thanks Chandler, good stuff as always.
    Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And finally, with the Bulls, Chicago would get a nice asset in Randle to help continue their rebuild.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The wide range of neutral-ish shades is a nice departure from the glittery brights already in your makeup bag.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • While some might have considered the project too niche, Kyle’s intuition about the product’s appeal seems to have been accurate, with even the X Games getting a taste of the product earlier this year.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near delicate

Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delicate

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