dainty 1 of 2

Definition of daintynext
1
2
3
4

dainty

2 of 2

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
The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Wild Arugula While standard arugula may be part of many reasonably priced salad mixes, the deliciously spicy, dainty wild arugula fetches premium prices of $4 to $6 for a 5-ounce bunch. Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 Two slender straps with mini buckles add a dainty touch (hence the name). Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The dainty heels featured a round, almond toe silhouette. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The result is an elegant estate where guests can have a refined Irish breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails come sunset.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • One of the victors is this exquisite 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe, with flowing bodywork by Parisian coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
  • Explore Nový Bor, Czech Republic, a hub for exquisite Bohemian glass, and Tönning, Germany, showcasing contemporary wool craftsmanship.
    Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Whip up a big batch of this delicious chicken salad to have ready to go all week.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
  • That includes delicious deals across lots of furniture and home decor, including bedroom pieces, outdoor gems, and ceramics to uplift any area of your home.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Fourth of July parties at her Rhode Island home have featured red, white and blue outfits, plus barbecue and baked treats, according to reports.
    Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The chips beneath were noticeably thin, delicate but sturdy enough to retain their crunch.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The war remains in a delicate ceasefire while both sides attempt to broker a permanent peace deal.
    Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Public health data has taught us that alcohol, which can be fine when consumed in moderation, can be harmful to individual and societal health in excessive amounts.
    Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Obviously there’s a resemblance but in a really subtle and tasteful way.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Your reward will be the sight of a tiny pale point with a subtle blue-green tint.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dainty

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster