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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

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
One excellent way for a quiet watch to express its prowess is to expose an exquisite movement on the back of the watch. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2024 These discoveries revealed an incredible complex civilization that predates the Incas by 800 years, yet capable of producing the most exquisite gold and silver jewels. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 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
  • Media coverage of Walker’s messy private life has been intense.
    Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
  • Christmas Solo chronicles the life of two single parents who stumble into the possibility of love for Christmas, only to learn that their daughters are tangled in an intense rivalry at school.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The duo’s delicate scent is a lovely way to start the day, and feels more elegant than a lot of other shampoo and conditioner fragrances.
    Allure Editors, Allure, 1 Jan. 2025
  • Delina has a softness to her that’s alluringly elegant without overpowering the wearer.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The emphasis is on results that are subtle yet effective, ensuring that individuals look refreshed and youthful without appearing overdone.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 1 Jan. 2025
  • While China remains outwardly sanguine on North Korea, subtle differences in their diplomatic relations this year may signal rising frustration with Kim Jong Un's deepening military cooperation with Russia.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Approaching the midpoint of this 21st century, there doesn't seem to be a ground swell of support either among the public or industry to push these technologies into fruition.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Rae Burrell Discusses Her Unrivaled Squad Vinyl BC By Devin Robertson Social Media Coordinator 0 Women's basketball has been seeing a swell of support and growth as of late, with record-shattering viewership numbers.
    Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Taken to the extreme, though, the intensive approach can foreclose opportunities for community support.
    Stephanie H. Murray, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Consumers are craving more gourmet and intensive hot cocoa varieties, noted Beverage Daily, a trade publication.
    Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • While technically true in rare cases, this is thankfully not the norm.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024
  • The rediscovery sparked an immediate call to action, as conservationists and government officials recognized the importance of safeguarding this rare and iconic species.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Juniper is present but balanced with rooty and slightly floral notes, followed by a creamy mouthfeel and a delicate spice finish.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
  • And all of these are formulated in a way that is gentle enough not to aggravate the delicate skin around your neck.
    Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 2 Jan. 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

Thesaurus Entries Near exquisite

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

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