as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
had to finesse the schedule a bit to fit in another patient that afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
tried to finesse the blame for the foreign policy fiasco, even though he was secretary of state at the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of finesse
Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
The restaurant opened in July 2019, taking over the former Chef’s Kitchen space on Beaver Avenue and launching with a menu that married familiarity and finesse.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
Assuming that forces an honor, finesse the six on the second.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
In his fourth season as music director, the Slovak maestro has the Houston Symphony playing on an amazing level of sophistication and finesse — in a hall that hides nothing.
—Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 3 Mar. 2026
The restaurant opened in July 2019, taking over the former Chef’s Kitchen space on Beaver Avenue and launching with a menu that married familiarity and finesse.
—Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
Assuming that forces an honor, finesse the six on the second.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
But unlike at some jungle retreats, which demand a certain ability to rough it, even the most spider-averse will feel at home here—kids in particular.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Leo moon tests your ability to lighten up when unexpected pleasures come knocking.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But stocks were buoyed by reports that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was willing to negotiate.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
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There were no mass demonstrations by the Iranian people against the regime, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continued to fight even more ferociously, and Khamenei’s death did nothing to bring Iran’s negotiating position onto a more reasonable plane.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the 72nd minute, Dudinha, who finished with two assists, stole the ball from Chicago and passed it to Barcenas, who, while moving to her left, delivered a brilliant backheel to her right to evade two defenders.—
Fernando Ramirez,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
To evade interference from electronic jammers, both militaries launch drones attached to miles-long spools of fiber-optic wire - leaving behind a digital spider's web.—
Holly Williams,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some programs have built their identity on hard coaching or amassing the most talent possible, and while Campbell isn’t soft on his players, he’s opted to create a culture of joy that’s led to TCU signing Van Lith and Miles.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
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But fans online have panned the card for lacking top talent such as former two-division champion Jon Jones, who requested his release from the UFC immediately after being excluded from the White House show.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Orban started manipulating these grievances, and did so to significantly divide Hungarian society.—
John Shattuck,
The Conversation,
27 Mar. 2026
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As machines grow more powerful, society will become increasingly effective at shaping the world, while individuals who never learned to think deeply will be easier to manipulate.—
Shai Tubali,
Big Think,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The state transportation agency said drivers should avoid the area or use alternate routes.—
Sarah D. Wire,
USA Today,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The Texas Rangers avoided a complete meltdown to earn their first victory of the season, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 in 10 innings Saturday at Philadelphia.—
Jim Barnes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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On May 1, Taylor will bring her fiery prowess to Heritage Barbecue for a one-night, 42-seat dinner alongside lauded pitmaster Daniel Castillo.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
30 Mar. 2026
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Throughout his time at Ontario High and Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Glover also added football into the mix and ultimately became best known for his wrestling prowess (despite feeling quite intimidated by his college teammate at the time, Chuck Liddell, who ultimately became an MMA star).—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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JetBlue increased the fees as airlines maneuver to cover their rising jet fuel costs, which have soared since the Iran war began.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
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The Red Sox surprisingly didn't trade any of their young outfielders this offseason, and now have to figure out how to maneuver their lineup effectively.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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