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dainty

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noun

as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dainty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is it sensible to use choice instead of dainty?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When might delicate be a better fit than dainty?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would elegant be a good substitute for dainty?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When could exquisite be used to replace dainty?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

In what contexts can rare take the place of dainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dainty
Adjective
But even when presented with this, the most modest and daintiest wedge of rind-on watermelon, my mother will slice the flesh away with a knife and fork and cut it up before eating it. Seyward Darby, Longreads, 24 Jan. 2024 From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style. Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024 Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023 The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.
    Susan B. Barnes, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2025
  • The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.
    Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 30 June 2025
  • Rivers in Ecuador, India, and Canada provide the settings for this elegant travelogue, which asks whether a natural entity, such as a river, can be regarded as a living thing.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.
    John Last, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025
  • Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • In the French Quarter, The Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton offer lush massages, facials, body scrubs, and mani/pedis, plus access to their swimming pool and hot tub for a delicious soak.
    Essence, Essence, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • This Tonight Show segment started off with a delightful treat for any Anthony Bourdain heads in the audience.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • The entrepreneur shared a video on TikTok showing her two children begging her for some sweet treats.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The designer’s use of color is also about delicate balances.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yet there's also some darn fine journalism in writer/director James Gunn's film.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 July 2025
  • Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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