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

Examples 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 Sterling family, with their exquisite taste and worldly knowledge and sky-high expectations. —

Lizz Schumer, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024 Wooden fixtures and sandy-veined Greek marble floors set a tone of rustic luxury, while expansive balconies offer exquisite views of Spinalonga and the bay. —

William Leigh, theweek, 10 Dec. 2024

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 warm front is a sharp contrast to the close of last week when an arctic surge swept across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with snow squalls, whiteouts and intense bursts of wind that left 20 million Americans under winter weather warnings or advisories.

Susan Miller, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
Becoming a professor requires years and years of intense study, often carried out in isolation and poverty.

Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024