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.

Related 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

Dissimilar Words

• 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

Powered by the brand’s Calibre 2460 automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve, these stunning pieces are top-shelf collector’s items that bring together the very best aspects of Vacheron Constantin’s savoir faire. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025

Compelling for their incredible micro-engineering and aesthetics, QPs draw attention to the brand’s savoir faire and act as a calling card for its capabilities as a watchmaker. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025

Carefully removing and preserving wall panels from estates and palaces and replicating them with masterful French savoir faire is what has driven the Féau Boiseries’ popularity in the upper echelons of society for the past 150 years. —Sofia Celeste, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025

The latest in Van Cleef & Arpels’s historic line of precious decorative objects, this one-of-a-kind piece is at once a feat of artisanal savoir faire and a flourish of figurative artistry. —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024