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
Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
This no-wipe gel formula comes with a short, easy-to-finesse spoolie applicator that can make stripes, waves, and ripples.
—Rosa Pyo, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
McFred was industrious, but without finesse or attacking zeal.
—Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026
Verb
Repossi finessed the rose gold used in its latest spiraling Blast high jewelry pieces, playing up its yellow gleam under a gradient of orange gemstones.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026
This no-wipe gel formula comes with a short, easy-to-finesse spoolie applicator that can make stripes, waves, and ripples.
—Rosa Pyo, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
In one of his rougher outings of the season, Meyer showed his ability to steady himself in the middle and prevent a game from unraveling, the kind of adversity every starting pitcher is guaranteed to face at some point.—
Tyler Carmona,
Miami Herald,
21 June 2026
-
Still scoreless at halftime After 45 minutes, neither team has been able to score a goal, which will be crucial to their ability to move forward in the Round of 32.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
Canada negotiates lower drug prices for all its citizens under its universal health care system.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
Again, this could be negotiated.—
Chris McKenna,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Federal officials said Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, was arrested in the Philippines after allegedly evading authorities for nearly two years.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
20 June 2026
-
Disclosure Day sees Daniel (O'Connor) and Margaret (Blunt) racing to evade the sinister Wardex corporation with the ultimate goal of disclosure.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Argentina capped the night with a shutout against Algeria and with all three goals belonging to their maestro, as Messi reminded the world of his unique talents.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
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Looking back, Llamas credits his rise not to exceptional talent but to persistence, preparation, and a willingness to advocate for himself.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
Verb
-
This enables robots to identify objects, track movement, plan motions, and manipulate components with a high degree of precision.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
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Wang then placed his hands underneath her clothing and began touching her breasts before manipulating her arm to touch his genitals, the suit states.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Manhattan matchup The two super PAC networks have largely shied away from producing ads that mention AI and have mostly chosen to avoid competing against each other in the same races.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
-
Drivers are being advised to take alternate routes and to avoid the area.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Noun
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But in mid-June, Turner was already a three-win player, combining his usual offensive prowess with an unexpected improvement with the glove.—
Stephen J. Nesbitt,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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Our brain’s fortune-telling prowess also helps us in social situations.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
16 June 2026
Verb
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These sets are spacious, easy to maneuver, and durable enough to handle all of your future trips—and prices start at just $76.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
22 June 2026
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This Black+Decker cordless vacuum has a slim, lightweight design that’s easy to maneuver and converts into a handheld for messes on furniture, storacases, car seats, and more.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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