as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
had to finesse the schedule a bit to fit in another patient that afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
tried to finesse the blame for the foreign policy fiasco, even though he was secretary of state at the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of finesse
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
16 June 2026
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.
—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
14 June 2026
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
This no-wipe gel formula comes with a short, easy-to-finesse spoolie applicator that can make stripes, waves, and ripples.
—
Rosa Pyo,
Allure,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
McFred was industrious, but without finesse or attacking zeal.
—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
16 June 2026
The opening acoustic guitar plucks were full in the lower frequencies while showing enough treble finesse to convey fine string texture.
—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
14 June 2026
Verb
Repossi finessed the rose gold used in its latest spiraling Blast high jewelry pieces, playing up its yellow gleam under a gradient of orange gemstones.
—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
20 Feb. 2026
This no-wipe gel formula comes with a short, easy-to-finesse spoolie applicator that can make stripes, waves, and ripples.
—
Rosa Pyo,
Allure,
9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
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The Patriots certainly have one of their best group of receivers, led by Paul Turner, who has speed and big-play ability.
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Nearly everyone who has died is believed to be 65 years old or older, because of their more limited ability to cool themselves down due to poor blood flow and decreased ability to sweat.
Verb
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But Iran denied making any new commitments on monitoring, with state media reporting that Tehran did not negotiate the nuclear issue during 18 hours of discussions.
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The Heat and other NBA teams have been allowed to negotiate with their own impending free agents since June 14 — the day after the last game of the NBA Finals.
Verb
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Federal officials said Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, was arrested in the Philippines after allegedly evading authorities for nearly two years.
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Disclosure Day sees Daniel (O'Connor) and Margaret (Blunt) racing to evade the sinister Wardex corporation with the ultimate goal of disclosure.
Noun
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Argentina capped the night with a shutout against Algeria and with all three goals belonging to their maestro, as Messi reminded the world of his unique talents.
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Looking back, Llamas credits his rise not to exceptional talent but to persistence, preparation, and a willingness to advocate for himself.
Verb
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Pro-Russian groups are bombarding popular AI systems with propaganda to coax chatbots into regurgitating Kremlin talking points, according to senior European officials, raising concerns ahead of America’s midterm elections about how to respond to the growing attempt to silently manipulate voters.
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States can also counter flag-of-convenience laundering by using financial intelligence to trace flag payments, reveal risks to insurers and financiers, and push rapid-deflagging for AIS-manipulating ships.
Verb
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To avoid a deluge of applications from every theater in America, Cockrum decided to make grants by invitation.
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Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.
Noun
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Even so, Griner’s 6-foot-9 height and shot-blocking prowess are unique to any era.
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There is no disputing his scoring prowess.
Verb
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These sets are spacious, easy to maneuver, and durable enough to handle all of your future trips—and prices start at just $76.
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This Black+Decker cordless vacuum has a slim, lightweight design that’s easy to maneuver and converts into a handheld for messes on furniture, storacases, car seats, and more.
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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