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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fragile
easily broken
delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling
the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in careful
hard to please
a person of delicate tastes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The delicate silhouette is a more elegant alternative to sneakers, all while offering support thanks to the inner lining.
—
Nicol Natale, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Plant roots can be unearthed and examined—mycelium is delicate and fragile.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
Extreme shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns pose a number of challenges to this delicate process.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Nicol Natale, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Plant roots can be unearthed and examined—mycelium is delicate and fragile.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
Extreme shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns pose a number of challenges to this delicate process.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
-
There have been subtle hints of Bayley turning on Valkyria to further their feud for the Intercontinental title.—
Joe Nguyen,
Denver Post,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.—
Vytautas Kaziukonis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Israel Defense Forces leveled a village in northern Gaza in the days following the collapse of the fragile ceasefire that went into effect earlier this year.—
Kerem Inal,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Together these missions have let planetary scientists like me study pristine, fragile carbonaceous material from asteroids.—
Patrick M. Shober,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Be careful not to let in too much moisture to avoid any mildew or mold developing on your mattress.—
Terry Baddoo,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Yet Schlossberg is careful to note that May did not shadow-direct the movie during production.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Carbonaceous chondrites tend to be weaker and more crumbly than other meteorites, so these objects just don’t stand as much of a chance.—
Patrick M. Shober,
The Conversation,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Then, McIlroy hit a weak drive to the right and was blocked by pines.—
Time,
Time,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Retailers often struggle with data silos, inconsistent quality, and integration issues, Sheridan says, which complicate accurate analysis in addition to concerns around consumer privacy.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share