finesse

²finesse

verb

fi·nessedfi·ness·ing

Definition of FINESSE

intransitive verb

: to make a finesse in playing cards

transitive verb

1

: to play (a card) in a finesse

2

a : to bring about, direct, or manage by adroit maneuvering <finesse his way through tight places — Marquis James> b : evade, skirt <finesse the hard issues>

Examples of FINESSE

1. He managed to finesse a deal through bargaining.
2. She is just trying to finesse the issue.

First Known Use of FINESSE

1746

Related to FINESSE

Synonyms: contrive, finagle, engineer, frame, machinate, maneuver, manipulate, mastermind, negotiate, wangle

Related Words: arrange, concert, conclude, hammer out, work out; angle (for), compass, intrigue, plot, scheme; connive; brew, concoct, cook (up), hatch; captain, command, conduct, direct, handle, manage, quarterback, run; gerrymander

Near Antonyms: blow, bobble, botch, bungle, butcher, flub, fumble, gum (up), louse up, mangle, mess (up), mishandle, muff

see all synonyms and antonyms

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