Definition of delicacynext
1
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury presented with a plate of national delicacies while they waited for the queen

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2
3
as in daintiness
the tendency to be or state of being squeamish the urgent need for blood prompted many people to overcome their habitual delicacy and become first-time donors

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as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences the delicacy of the sensor is such that it will be affected by the slightest vibration

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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 delicacy Navigating the inner and outer worlds of an incredible young person with intimacy and delicacy, this debut feature director shows resilience, sensibility, creativity in the constant adaptation to life’s constraints. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 The spot is being kept a secret because a similar effort in the 1990s to regrow red abalone off of Palos Verdes resulted in someone poaching all of the delicacy. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026 Silver Sea has delicacies like a sea urchin tray for $189. Ella Gonzales march 13, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026 Sushi aficionados will gravitate to the supplemental options for cult favorites like shimmery kohada and sticky-buttery nodoguro, and fleeting seasonal delicacies like kawahagi, a winter fish often intensified with a crowning slice of its own liver. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • Additions to the menu include alligator bites and sweet treats, including strawberry shortcake and turtle cheesecake, a decadent chocolate cake and, of course, beignets.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The new Strawberry Shortcake Kringle, inspired by the classic treat of the same name, features sweet cookie pieces and a special O&H signature made-from-scratch filling, topped with buttery streusel, sweet ice and pink chocolate curls.
    Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Created by Jonathan Tropper, Season 1 was a fascinating assessment of the fragility of the American dream.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Not to create anxiety, but to maintain respect for the fragility of success.
    Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With a daintiness at odds with its 120 kilos, the bear extricates its wrist from the tie and calmly takes its leave.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One says, God can always see you with his unfeeling precision.
    Sandra Lim, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Drones take on expanding roles across modern battlefields Uncrewed systems are playing a growing role in modern warfare, handling missions from reconnaissance and artillery spotting to precision strikes.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • If not treated early, the infection can progress to more serious symptoms, such as joint swelling and arthritis, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, facial muscle weakness, heart inflammation and difficulties with memory or concentration.
    Emily Bache, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026
  • To play for Hurley is to understand that taking a play off is not acceptable, that bending over and tugging at your short hems – a sure sign, in Hurley’s estimation, of weakness – will earn you either a death stare or a run up the steps.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Those with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive sensitivities may experience bloating, gas or digestive discomfort.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Its ability to combine speed, sensitivity, and simplicity could support future innovations in environmental diagnostics.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bryant is a restrained writer, and the fastidiousness of his elastic text does little to allay those who are likely to become inflamed.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • More such fastidiousness will be needed to arrest the domino effect of delegitimization and to renew the small guarantees of truth and dignity in public life customarily provided by legacy institutions.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Beyond the music, these earbuds offer high-accuracy AI translation for 100 languages via the Soundcore app and support wireless charging, providing up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 42 hours total with the case.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Artists began to care less about the accuracy of representation and pivoted to self-expression.
    Andrey Mir, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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