1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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2
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines
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3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation
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4
as in fragile
easily broken
delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping
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5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling
the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands
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6
as in careful
hard to please
a person of delicate tastes
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7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate
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8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports
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9
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology
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10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock
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11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window
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12
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the delicate challenge of inviting two people who don't like each other to the same party
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delicate
To tap into the trend, start with a statement floral dress, think airy fabrics, delicate prints, and silhouettes that move with you.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025
Then there’s the specter of a five-day office return looming over the delicate balance that everyone is striving to maintain.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2025
Out of all of her spring blooms, Gaines had a soft spot for the delicate ranunculus.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
This is a lovely Champagne with appealing aromas of pear, passion fruit and a delicate hint of yeast.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 27 Mar. 2025
Then there’s the specter of a five-day office return looming over the delicate balance that everyone is striving to maintain.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 27 Mar. 2025
Out of all of her spring blooms, Gaines had a soft spot for the delicate ranunculus.
—Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
This is a lovely Champagne with appealing aromas of pear, passion fruit and a delicate hint of yeast.
—Tom Hyland, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
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The Pre Wash Scalp Oil is also infused with amber, cashmere musk, lemon and mandarin leaving a subtle fragrance that’s equal parts cozy and sparkling.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes,
26 Mar. 2025
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Look closely, and like Castillo’s U.S. passport, the CARICOM passport holds subtle clues.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Age is also a risk factor — older adults may already have issues with sleep due to existing health conditions, medications and chronic pain, and so may be especially sensitive to additional stress.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild skin irritation, which is often more prevalent with higher percentages of urea.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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What unfolds is a two-person dialogue on the subject of fragile masculinity.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
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Efficiency at what cost? Read: The rise of techno-authoritarianism Careless People illustrates how this ideological vacuum is filled by its leaders’ fleeting whims and governed by their fragile egos.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Be careful when handling debris that may have blown into your yard.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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Since then, Vance has been more careful not to deviate publicly from the president's policy position.—
Hannah Demissie,
ABC News,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Montecito Outdoor Pillow Cover, in particular, brings in a jolt of color and texture in one elegant design.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
26 Mar. 2025
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Held in the heart of Orlando, this elegant event celebrates resilience and hope, with all proceeds directly supporting vital services for survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Murena Pixel Tablet And Third-Party Apps The ecosystem for Android tablets is weaker than that of Android smartphones.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
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The health infrastructure that the U.S. would have to marshal against them is already weak.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This is a nice improvement, though short of Apple's 10-hour estimate.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Mar. 2025
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Women can wear a nice top and skirt, a knee-length or midi dress, or a suit.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The United States should immediately resume sharing influenza data with WHO’s databases, providing the most accurate picture of circulating strains.—
Richard Hughes IV,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Mar. 2025
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Disaster-prone California has regulations that try to help ensure replacement values are accurate.—
Ron Lieber,
New York Times,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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