1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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2
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines
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3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation
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4
as in fragile
easily broken
delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping
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5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling
the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands
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6
as in careful
hard to please
a person of delicate tastes
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7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate
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8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports
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9
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology
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10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock
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11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window
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12
as in difficult
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delicate
The delicate silhouette is a more elegant alternative to sneakers, all while offering support thanks to the inner lining.
—
Nicol Natale, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Plant roots can be unearthed and examined—mycelium is delicate and fragile.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
Extreme shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns pose a number of challenges to this delicate process.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Nicol Natale, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Plant roots can be unearthed and examined—mycelium is delicate and fragile.
—The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 16 Apr. 2025
Extreme shifts in precipitation and temperature patterns pose a number of challenges to this delicate process.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025
The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
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Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.—
Ginny Whitelaw,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.—
Vytautas Kaziukonis,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Automation reduces labor dependency, stabilizes production costs, and ends our reliance on fragile, offshore supply chains.—
Cam Myers,
Sourcing Journal,
28 Apr. 2025
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In public comments to the federal agency, city leaders stressed how the Big Easy's already fragile, aging drinking water infrastructure would have trouble withstanding the impacts if the 2024 sill were to breach.—
Kati Weis,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This careful search led Phan's team to a single object, a tiny dot in the infrared data.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
1 May 2025
-
Her empathetic approach and careful unfolding of Dean’s story — particularly the bond between mother and son — reflect the very best of British documentary filmmaking.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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With elegant interiors, a stunning outdoor patio, and a nod to the artistic and culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur, Claudie invites guests to indulge in the magic of the South of France with every visit.—
Erica Wertheim Zohar,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.—
Norbert Michel,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Iran was at its weakest point since the 1980s, maybe since the Iranian revolution in 1979.—
Quinn Scanlan,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Emily DeLetter,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
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These speculations proved accurate when, on the second night of WrestleMania 41, Lynch was revealed as the mystery partner of Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria in a tag team title match against the then-champions, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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