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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 tasting menu runs through more than 20 dishes starring exquisite ingredients including caviar, wagyu, sea urchin and local ingredients from the Orlando market. Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025 As guests dine in the iconic setting of Mille Fleurs, they will be treated to an exclusive fashion show by Isola Boutique, featuring the latest in spring fashion, alongside exquisite jewelry designs by John Matty Co. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 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
  • This is a performance that entwines intense physicality with simmering determination, and a sense of humor.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 24 Feb. 2025
  • In the background of a Gaza ceasefire, Israel has steadily escalated an intense military operation in Palestinian cities in the West Bank, killing dozens and displacing tens of thousands of residents.
    Mick Krever, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Among the standout pieces in the second H&M spring 2025 limited-edition Ramadan collection, semi-shiny satins, jacquards and hammered fabrics add an elegant and luxurious touch.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Its classic trim with elegant details on each door can dress up a modern interior or pair with traditional decor to elevate any space.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This style can be easily individualized with soft braids, details creating a subtle crown effect.
    Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2025
  • China reacted angrily Monday to new State Department wording that appeared to indicate a subtle shift in favor of Taipei.
    Christian Shepherd The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Although there hasn’t been a Super Bowl sized swell of attention around the news of the retailer shuttering, people have been posting.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Ben Johnson’s arrival as the new coach created a swell of optimism at team headquarters.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In particular, teams deploying fiber-optic drones that send and receive signals via millimeters-thick wires rather than via radio—a method of control that helps the operators circumvent intensive Ukrainian radio jamming.
    David Axe, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • When babies born at Carroll need intensive neonatal care, they are sent to Sinai.
    Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The hefty fish tacos — swordfish, tuna (cooked pretty rare), and wahoo — are served on corn tortillas with cabbage, salsa and a lime crema drizzled on top.
    Kate Murphy, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The shock and awe of the deal underscores just how rare truly impactful deals for prominent intellectual property truly are.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Pieces include a sleeveless tartan top with pockets that could be mistaken for a gigantic scarf; delicate skirts in the style of a sarong wrap, and long-sleeve mesh T-shirts.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025
  • There's actually a bevy of shine-boosting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Feb. 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 4 Mar. 2025.

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