exquisite 1 of 2

1
2
3

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exquisite different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of exquisite are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could choice be used to replace exquisite?

While the synonyms choice and exquisite are close in meaning, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When can dainty be used instead of exquisite?

Although the words dainty and exquisite have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

In what contexts can delicate take the place of exquisite?

The words delicate and exquisite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would elegant be a reasonable alternative to exquisite?

The synonyms elegant and exquisite are sometimes interchangeable, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is rare a more appropriate choice than exquisite?

While in some cases nearly identical to exquisite, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

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 exquisite
Adjective
The tea rose first became available for purchase in 2025, and it’s been hard for gardeners to get their hands on; this exquisite bloom remains in high demand. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025 But the breakthrough in demonstrating such exquisite levels of formation flying may well have bigger implications for future science and space applications beyond studying the sun. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
The outfits range from the exquisite to the amusing to the absurd, tracing San Francisco fashion from after the 1906 earthquake to the new century. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 Balcer would put her stamp on the game in another way 25 minutes later, delivering an exquisite through ball that launched Lavelle on a dash up the middle of the Gotham defense toward the tying goal. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for exquisite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025
  • And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • To bring back that upscale aesthetic, the Casino Royal will have a dress code that requires jackets for men and elegant dress for women.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 13 May 2025
  • Just last fall, the actress and entrepreneur launched her second furniture line with CB2, a collection that embodies her elegant style.
    Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • For example, comparing transcripts side by side can reveal subtle shifts in a witness' narrative, prompting further scrutiny.
    Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • The sheets are a crisp, simple white, and feature a subtle, delicate blue scallop trim that really elevates the look of the set to something of luxury hotel quality.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Multiple factors contribute to the discovery of bodies in the spring time, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said on Monday, pointing to increasing water temperatures, the rate of water currents and a swell of activity on the water.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 7 May 2025
  • The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first measles case Wednesday — news that comes amid a swell of measles cases across the country.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With 4 million packages a day passing through American gateways using the de minimis exception, and around half of those shipments hailing from China, CBP is now contending with a much more intensive entry process for small shipments than it’s been accustomed to.
    Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 13 May 2025
  • The department conducts an annual review of each state, and a more intensive one that’s supposed to be completed roughly every five years.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Melania Trump to make rare appearance to unveil Barbara Bush stamp.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • As the show heads into its season finale — and with a fourth season already greenlit — Rodriguez sees Will Trent as a rare opportunity to blend procedural structure with emotional storytelling.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • This transformation requires a delicate balancing act.
    Miles Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • The walls of the rectum (the inside of your butt) are delicate.
    Alexander Cheves, Them., 16 May 2025
Noun
  • The event kicked off with an opening dance, before the debutantes lined up for a waltz with their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exquisite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!