Synonyms of savoir faire

savoir faire

noun

as in charm

formal the ability to behave in a correct and confident way in different situations

I admire her sophistication and savoir faire.

He handled the problem with his usual savoir faire.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• charm
• sensitivity
• gallantry
• grace
• manners
• gracefulness
• courtesy
• diplomacy
• consideration
• tact
• poise
• suavity
• gentility
• thoughtfulness
• etiquette
• suaveness
• tactfulness
• graciousness
• mannerliness
• considerateness
• politeness
• respect
• dexterity
• courteousness
• finesse
• deference
• civility
• delicacy
• adroitness
• regard
• deftness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• awkwardness
• discourtesy
• thoughtlessness
• gaucheness
• gracelessness
• inconsiderateness
• disregard
• indelicacy
• maladroitness
• inconsideration
• impoliteness
• incivility
• discourteousness
• disrespect
• brashness
• rudeness
• boorishness
• impudence
• ungraciousness
• insolence
• impertinence
• insensitivity
• clumsiness
• tactlessness
• loutishness
• brassiness
• disrespectfulness

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of savoir faire

When the world’s top luxury brands pour their savoir faire into Advent calendars, the results are—predictably—the height of luxury. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024

London is also, unsurprisingly, a wonderful place to source nightwear given the sartorial savoir faire of Savile Row and Jermyn Street. —Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024

Equestrian events on the grounds of Versailles! — and undeniable savoir faire, may just have helped save the Olympics. —Bryan Walsh, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024

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