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
  • B-52s can also be used to provide close air support for ground troops by acting as enormous loitering munition silos able to drop precision bombs where needed.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The draw is something that’s difficult to define with precision.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Years of the petrodollar’s weakening grasp The petrodollar’s weakness has been quietly exposed for even years prior to Saudi Arabia’s currency swap with China.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Reinsdorf also emphasized the importance of both internal and external communication for a new hire, a notable weakness of the Karnišovas administration.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 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
  • Football kickers want to keep their shoulders and chest square to the ball when kicking, which ensures better accuracy.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The league is steadfast about its accuracy.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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