1
as in nice
hard to please
you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in delicious
very pleasing to the sense of taste
the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dainty
Seyward Darby, Longreads, 24 Jan. 2024
From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style.
—Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024
Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023
The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
But even when presented with this, the most modest and daintiest wedge of rind-on watermelon, my mother will slice the flesh away with a knife and fork and cut it up before eating it.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 24 Jan. 2024
From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style.
—Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024
Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023
The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
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There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
-
Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Rod is yet another exquisite entry on his résumé of ultraentitled, deeply insecure men.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
In the heart of the city’s exclusive Gangnam neighborhood, this hotel is a short distance from upscale eateries, exquisite boutique shopping and tourist attractions.—
Forbes Travel Guide,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Get The Recipe Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Fans of Texas Sheet Cake will fall in love with this recipe, which turns the popular cake into bite-size treats.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2025
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And, much to my surprise, our northern lights experience wasn’t over quite yet; the journey from Abisko back to Stockholm often provides travelers with one last treat.—
Carinne Geil Botta,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The scoop neckline and shoulders also featured some delicate gold hardware to keep things, relatively, safe.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 May 2025
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The necklace is made of high-quality sterling silver that is plated in a delicate rose rhodium.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
Adjective
-
Shortly after a fine break, Journalism had gotten forced toward the rail in the classic Derby crush but was deftly piloted clear by jockey Umberto Rispoli.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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While medium-width sneakers and the occasional flat fit fine, wide-width sandals are usually a requirement.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
3 May 2025
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
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The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.—
Talia Abbas,
Vogue,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
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