savoir faire

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savoir faire different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of savoir faire are address, poise, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

When would address be a good substitute for savoir faire?

While the synonyms address and savoir faire are close in meaning, address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When is it sensible to use poise instead of savoir faire?

The words poise and savoir faire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When can tact be used instead of savoir faire?

Although the words tact and savoir faire have much in common, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

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 savoir faire The ateliers were set free post the revolutions, the guilds were abolished and there was this enormous growth of the French know-how, a savoir faire. Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 11 June 2024 Del Rey’s striking look referenced an archival Alexander McQueen design from the house’s fall 2006 collection; McGirr wanted to celebrate the savoir faire of the atelier in a new, contemporary way. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 May 2024 Learn the art of French savoir faire from local tastemakers. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 The family had brilliant old Cognac in the cellar and knew all the production secrets (the fabled French savoir faire), but sales had stalled. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for savoir faire 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savoir faire
Noun
  • From the coastal charm of Newport Beach, California, to the historic streets of New Bern, North Carolina, local interpretations of SantaCon have sprouted up in dozens of locations.
    Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Get Into the Holiday Spirit by Watching Mariah Carey Bake Christmas Cookies Approximate distance from NYC: 2-hour drive Take the Trolley in Cold Spring Idyllic in every sense of the term, Cold Spring is one of those magical destinations that, despite its popularity, retains its small town charm.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The combination of tenacity and tenderness, sensitivity and strength imbues his music with a generosity that evokes childhood wonder and adult complexity.
    Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Pablo Larraín’s chronicle of Callas’ final days also exhibits the tension between sensitivity and authenticity.
    Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Bob earned the Silver Star for gallantry in action when Japanese kamikaze bombers struck his ship, USS Franklin.
    Karen Scanlon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2024
  • For the next 40 years, not one of the seven Medal of Honor candidates cited for their gallantry in Cambodia or Laos received it.
    Barry Barnett, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2024
Noun
  • Those who embrace the spirit of the holidays with cheer and grace can create a culture that feels more like a community.
    Adrian Gostick, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • But grace and luck came together in a freak wave, and people were moved.
    Jaron Lanier, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The previous Traverse wasn't a sports car either, but the height and the width of the new SUV dull its road manners.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • But instead of good-girl manners and demure makeup looks, it’s served with a side of side-eye and often a makeup look, outfit, or attitude that has a bit more edge.
    Elle Turner, Glamour, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • While Oratorio Tangram did receive a US release on the Dreamcast, courtesy of Activision, the lack of TwinSticks internationally didn’t exactly help the game.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • See the full franchise-ranking lists below, courtesy of Fandom.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near savoir faire

Cite this Entry

“Savoir faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savoir%20faire. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!