1
as in nice
hard to please
you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
From my perspective, this is a nice example of Cisco’s growing emphasis on easing the customer/user experience.—
Patrick Moorhead,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
House hunters are even willing to pay up to about $1,600 more for a kitchen with cabinets in the elegant green tone, according to Zillow's analysis.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
-
Refined, elegant food, intelligent service, and a warm living-room-like ambiance make this one of Rome’s top upscale restaurants.—
Katie Kelly Bell,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
-
This corner of the hotel transported me to an exquisite European hotel; the display bottles were Chinotto, Bitter Bianco, Sicilian Amara, and other spirits.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Willem Dafoe as Rat in Fantastic Mr. Fox Willem Dafoe has delicious fun voicing Rat, the sinister security guard who menaces Fox and his cohorts.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
-
The Five-Star Weekend centers on Hollis Shaw (Garner), a famed food influencer known for her delicious recipes, impeccable taste, and warm demeanor, who suffers a devastating loss.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Shortly after, my father came out to see what was going on, reached into his pocket and gave us each a quarter to walk to the nearby ice-cream shop and enjoy a cool treat on such a hot day.—
Susan Cunningham Euker,
Baltimore Sun,
14 June 2025
-
Then, as a little treat, James Folta explains the difference between his book recommendations… and your book recommendations.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
-
Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
All accommodations come with thoughtful touches like elevated mini-bar fare, Bellino fine linens, and plush, jewel-toned furniture.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2025
-
Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
Adjective
-
When paired to a non-Huawei phone, audio quality still sounds good, but has a subtle loss of depth.—
Ben Sin,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
Bow Strap midi dress: $139 (Nordstrom) This Petal & Pup Floret midi dress at Nordstrom offers a modern take on boho fashion with its subtle floral design, cute ladylike details and flattering cut.—
Jené Luciani Sena
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,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share