nicety

noun

nice·​ty ˈnī-sə-tē 

-stē

plural niceties

1

: the quality or state of being nice

2

: an elegant, delicate, or civilized feature

enjoy the niceties of life

3

: a fine point or distinction : subtlety

the niceties of table manners

4

: careful attention to details : delicate exactness : precision

5

: delicacy of taste or feeling : fastidiousness

see also to a nicety

Synonyms of nicety

• fact
• detail

Examples of nicety in a Sentence

knows all the niceties of diplomatic protocol

a woman too fond of the niceties of urban living to even consider becoming a farmer's wife

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, Charlamagne’s instincts can cut through industry niceties or lead down glaringly wrong pathways. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025

Who has time for quaint niceties like the rule of law, due process, evidence, and trials? —Doug McIntyre, Oc Register, 7 Dec. 2025

But seeing and serving today’s students isn’t just a nicety. —Yolanda Watson Spiva, Fortune, 8 Nov. 2025

That allows for modern riding niceties like two power modes, cruise control, and a speed limiter. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nicete, from Anglo-French niceté foolishness, from nice, adjective

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nicety

noun

nice·​ty ˈnī-sət-ē 

-stē

plural niceties

1

: a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing

enjoy the niceties of life

2

: a small point or detail

niceties of table manners

3

: careful attention to details

nicety is needed in making watches

4

: the point at which a thing is at its best

roasted to a nicety