Synonyms of tact

tact

noun

ˈtakt 

as in diplomacy

the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them

with supreme tact, Isabel suggested to her neighbor that her flower garden was probably not the best place for his dog to use as a bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tact different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tact are address, poise, and savoir faire. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

When could address be used to replace tact?

The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would poise be a reasonable alternative to tact?

In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When might savoir faire be a better fit than tact?

The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tact

Other highlights include an open-faced montre à tact (a watch that replicates the internal hour hand on the cover of the pocket watch via an arrow so that time could be read via touch) with a calendar and moonphase indications that was the inspiration for the Ref. 3330. —Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Feb. 2025

Otherwise, the writers have done an excellent job of exploring some heavy themes with humanity and tact. —David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025

Mabel operates with tact, quietly taking note of the gun on the wall and Rudy’s ham radio, but Eva doesn’t have the patience for that. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2024

In her last pic, Olivia Rodrigo holds the same picnic basket while cheesing for the camera in a plunging red one-piece bathing suit and a grey baseball cap, keeping her pigtail braids in tact underneath. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2025