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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exquisite are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could choice be used to replace exquisite?

While the synonyms choice and exquisite are close in meaning, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When can dainty be used instead of exquisite?

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

dainty sandwiches

In what contexts can delicate take the place of exquisite?

The words delicate and exquisite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would elegant be a reasonable alternative to exquisite?

The synonyms elegant and exquisite are sometimes interchangeable, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is rare a more appropriate choice than exquisite?

While in some cases nearly identical to exquisite, 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 exquisite
Adjective
The outfits range from the exquisite to the amusing to the absurd, tracing San Francisco fashion from after the 1906 earthquake to the new century. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 Balcer would put her stamp on the game in another way 25 minutes later, delivering an exquisite through ball that launched Lavelle on a dash up the middle of the Gotham defense toward the tying goal. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2023
Noun
Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion are exquisite in their supporting roles, devouring every morsel of the Safdie and Ronald Bronstein script. Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025 Matières Fécales made some exquisite pieces, despite their challenging name. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exquisite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • During periods of intense rainfall, the risk of flooding increases, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The modern understanding of the Ring of Fire emerged with the theory of plate tectonics in the 1960s, which explained the region’s intense seismic and volcanic activity as the result of shifting tectonic plates.
    Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The home’s signatures, soaring inside spaces and elegant natural materials, are designed to match the spectacular vistas seen through towering floor-to-ceiling windows.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the Lions’ offensive linemen do an excellent job of selling run on play-action passes, there’s still a subtle difference to note early between run blocking and pass blocking.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • There’s subtle tang from the sour cream and cream cheese.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to heavy rain, Priscilla is bringing dangerous swells and life-threatening rip currents to southwestern and west-central Mexico and the southern Baja California peninsula.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a downside to such intensive planting, though.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Tuesday was filled with intensive coaching and mentorship sessions with Walmart and Sam's Club merchants, sourcing experts and past Open Call alumni about scaling up production, improving packaging, and strengthening their financial and operational readiness.
    Serenah McKay, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The exhibit is the first comprehensive exploration of Katz’s collaborations with choreographers, dancers and members of avant-garde theater ensembles over six decades, showcasing rare archival materials, major sets and paintings and previously unexhibited sketches.
    La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Apart from the rare individual that survives and develops immunity, symptomatic deer will succumb to EHD within 36 hours.
    Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Fed’s decision-making seems more delicate — and more divided — than it’s been in years.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Stars who also produce are in a particularly delicate bind, especially those with millions of social media followers.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The event kicked off with an opening dance, before the debutantes lined up for a waltz with their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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