EXQUISITE Synonyms: 183 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: When is 'rare' a more appropriate choice than 'exquisite'?

While in some cases nearly identical to exquisite , rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

exquisite 1 of 2

adjective

ek-ˈskwi-zət

Definition of exquisite next

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect felt such exquisite anger at being betrayed by a so-called friend that she could hardly think straight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in elegant

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste exquisite pen-and-ink drawings of city scenes grace the walls of the formal restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in subtle

satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness waiters at the wedding reception served exquisite hors d'oeuvres from silver trays

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

as in swell

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slob
sloven

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

His collection also features exquisite models like the Ferrari F40 and McLaren Senna. —

Lydia Mee, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 The control was instant, the Irishman barely breaking stride in bringing the ball down before taking another four or five steps to steady himself and deliver a quite exquisite cross at pace. —

Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

In an early, much longer version of this story, the rich jerk was a young woman, and Frank had an exquisite rejoinder to Have a nice day. —

Paul Theroux, Harper's Magazine, 11 Aug. 2022 Affleck has sought out the exquisite before. —

Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 9 Apr. 2022 See all Example Sentences for exquisite

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite

Adjective

The Chiefs tallied another three points from Butker as both defenses were noticeably intense and solid as the first quarter ended 6-3 Kansas City.

— Kevin Dotson, CNN, 19 Jan. 2025
The single performs even better on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart, which is compiled in the same way as the Rock Digital Song Sales list, only the focus is exclusively on the more intense, harder style of the genre.

— Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025