1
as in nice
hard to please
you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
-
Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
Many of these gardens are free or cheap to visit, giving you another option to go somewhere and get outside when the weather is nice while saving some money.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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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
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Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
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
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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
Adjective
-
Roasting them low and slow in a preheated oven, or cooking them slowly in a slow cooker, smoker, or sous vide before finishing on the grill or under the broiler, can all yield tender, delicious results.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
-
Instead, start the day with a lavish breakfast buffet at La Sala, piled with delicious local specialties, fresh tropical fruits, and mouthwatering international favorites.—
Ashlee Marie Preston,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
This Tonight Show segment started off with a delightful treat for any Anthony Bourdain heads in the audience.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
The entrepreneur shared a video on TikTok showing her two children begging her for some sweet treats.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 June 2025
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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
Adjective
-
That’s all fine and good, suggesting several key improvements to the series’ comeback edition last year, some of them addressing pretty common complaints.—
Jason Kirk,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
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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
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
-
Counsell’s subtle influences can be seen in the standings.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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