requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the delicate challenge of inviting two people who don't like each other to the same party
How is the word delicate different from other adjectives like it?
Some common synonyms of delicate are choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.
delicate craftsmanship
Where would choice be a reasonable alternative to delicate?
The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.
choice fabric
In what contexts can dainty take the place of delicate?
While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.
dainty sandwiches
When can elegant be used instead of delicate?
Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.
a sumptuous but elegant dining room
When is it sensible to use exquisite instead of delicate?
The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.
an exquisite gold bracelet
When could rare be used to replace delicate?
The meanings of rare and delicate largely overlap; however, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.
rare beauty
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of delicateHigh expectations frequently lead to ill-fitting tastes, delicate social posturing, and closet clutter.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2026 These tubers have fetched $600 per kilo at auction, growing in three months and yielding a delicate, lemon-y or salty taste.—
Laura Dannen Redman,
Robb Report,
15 Oct. 2026 Onigiri Gorichan serves delicate Koshihikari rice balls stuffed with salmon flakes, pickled plums or Spam and egg.—
Senior Food Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Oct. 2026 Indeed, the entire studio has coalesced around Reeves in this delicate moment.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicate
Coleman said each design has its own distinct character and can be styled individually, either as a subtle everyday detail or a sculptural statement.
—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
15 Oct. 2026
As the researchers saw, introducing random mutation could still make subtle structural tweaks that produced enzymes that were considerably more active.
Another network had received the notification by late Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive details.
—
Miriam Waldvogel,
Arkansas Online,
12 Oct. 2026
Pictet seemed sensitive to the moral risk of going into Syria for the wrong reasons.
Every day, the virtuoso violinist plays for an audience of travelers, with his stage in the pedestrian tunnel that links the CTA and parking garages to the terminals.
—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
8 Oct. 2026
Through 107 career games, Minten’s profile has leaned more toward dependable cello player than virtuoso first violinist.
Signs of this history were on display amid all the adventurous modern art that made Mandell’s home seem like an elegant, circus-like wonderland.
—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Oct. 2026
Her elegant primary bedroom boasted a dressing area that was the picture of ’40s-movie-star luxury, complete with plush rugs, dramatic arches, and, of course, plenty of mirrors.
Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.
—
Scott Simon,
NPR,
10 Oct. 2026
Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.
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