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an elegant hotel
a luxurious hotel
a stylish hotel
an exquisite hotel
an exclusive hotel
elegant clothes
fancy clothes
glamorous clothes
classy clothes
graceful clothes
exquisite clothes
elegant prose
eloquent prose
beautiful prose
lovely prose

Synonym Chooser

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

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

In some situations, the words choice and elegant are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

Where would dainty be a reasonable alternative to elegant?

Although the words dainty and elegant have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is delicate a more appropriate choice than elegant?

The meanings of delicate and elegant largely overlap; however, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would exquisite be a good substitute for elegant?

While in some cases nearly identical to elegant, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When might rare be a better fit than elegant?

While the synonyms rare and elegant are close in meaning, 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 elegant Original price: $88 These Amelia E. Nettle frames are elegant yet simple, ideal for everyday wear. Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025 With a runtime of 137 minutes, this Japanese production stands as a rare artistic commitment to the slow, profound rhythms of life and grief, animated in elegant 2D and scored by the renowned Akira Senju. Jamie Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025 Patsy Cline helped usher in elegant cocktail dresses, many made by her mother. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025 Palvin, 31, opted for an elegant strapless gown with an asymmetrical ruffled skirt. Michelle Lee, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • As with most new pursuits, our learning curve was steep and our movements the antithesis of graceful.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 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
Adjective
  • His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.
    Essence, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Founded in 1948 by jeweler David Webb, the house has been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Keep them shiny and spot-free with common household ingredients already in your cupboard, for a handsome set that will last for years.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Besides grappling with the court case, Ong is also currently battling a rare type of bone marrow cancer.
    Jonathan Burgos, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And written by two of the finest Canadian imports in the TV game: Justified creator Graham Yost and Moira Walley-Beckett, who wrote the Breaking Bad installment Rolling Stone once dubbed the best episode in television history.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to the teams that advanced to the finals, select competitors from other schools will compete in the individual finals despite their teams not advancing.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Join Fox News for access to this content Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account - free of charge.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elegant

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