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

Other niceties do not need to be solicited. —Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2026

There are all kinds of niceties to look forward to, including an expansive glass roof, a drop-down rear window, two glove boxes, spacious heated rear seating, lots of storage in the rear and the frunk, and high ground clearance for off-roading. —New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026

The hostility between them will not disappear, and diplomatic niceties may become rarer. —Mehrzad Boroujerdi, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026

Shared governance isn’t just a bureaucratic nicety. —Julie Carr Smyth, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026

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

Phrases Containing nicety

• to a nicety

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