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 Wheeler, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
The vineyards’ distinct characteristics sets the wines apart—Vigna La Delizia is known for its power and structure and that Vigna La Villa offers finesse and elegance.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
All the extra sh*t that comes with it, that means that someone is trying to devalue you or finesse you out of something.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
He’s got finesse on the puck and a natural shooter’s shot.
—Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
The vineyards’ distinct characteristics sets the wines apart—Vigna La Delizia is known for its power and structure and that Vigna La Villa offers finesse and elegance.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
The second hat was then finessed and shipped within four days.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 20 Jan. 2025
All the extra sh*t that comes with it, that means that someone is trying to devalue you or finesse you out of something.
—Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
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With fewer staff to handle the millions of applications submitted each year, students could face longer wait times to receive their aid packages, potentially jeopardizing their ability to enroll in college on time.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
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The Supreme Court already handed Trump nearly absolute power over the Justice Department in a 2024 ruling regarding presidential immunity — including the ability to have conversations about criminal cases and other enforcement actions.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
12 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Leaders from both countries negotiated the ceasefire proposal announced on Tuesday.—
Axios,
Axios,
15 Mar. 2025
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The two players have been negotiating deals with Cincinnati to keep them with the organization for years to come.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Van Lith has competed in four conference title games over the span of her career, but this was the first time the title didn’t evade her.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
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Until further data can be confirmed, Intuitive Machines will be hoping Athena will evade meeting similar fate.—
Gayoung Lee,
Scientific American,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The elephant’s peek-a-boo prowess wasn’t entirely surprising, given that Gabon has a lot of jungle to vanish into.—
Chris Schalkx,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2025
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Of course, this toy’s prowess doesn’t start and stop with its internal capabilities.—
Gabrielle Kassel,
Glamour,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The letter also suggested that the company’s models could pose an additional risk of manipulating information seen by Americans.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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Mid-20th century, metafiction was all about producing a sort of free zone of uncertainty in the reader about whether they themselves might be caught within a story or the product of some author, or being manipulated by some storyteller at a higher ontological plane, a different plane of being.—
Emma Alpern,
Vulture,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Which only underscores the importance of drafting well and avoiding the need to fill holes through free agency.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
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The initial vote to proceed was 62-38, triggering a process that led to passage of the funding bill late today and avoid a shutdown.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The Sweden international’s talent has never been in question but those who have worked with the Newcastle striker describe a unique, complex personality — someone who is ridiculously driven, yet can be laid-back and withdrawn, all at once.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
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Just how far would two undiscovered Canadian musicians go to book a show at the Rivoli, a Toronto club (and sometime music venue) best known for helping to launch comedy talents like Kids in the Hall back in the day?—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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At the end of the ride, the entire seating mechanism swivels around for unloading one group and maneuvering the others toward the screen for the next presentation.—
Dewayne Bevil,
Orlando Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2025
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Ollie's Bargain Outlet is acquiring 40 store leases from Big Lots, which continues to maneuver through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA TODAY,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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