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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dainty
Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025
Minimalist jewelry, like dainty necklaces and understated rings, goes well with bolder short dresses; dial things up with statement earrings or puffy headbands.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
In 1933 Colette immortalized La Chatte as Saha, the dainty Chartreux heroine of the novella La Chatte.
—Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
Its powdery, floral fragrance comes from a mix of soothing botanical oils, and the dainty incense is light and delicate enough to burn at your bedside.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
Soft blush and ivory tones, satin bows, lace details and dainty ornaments make your space feel dreamy and coquettish.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 Dec. 2025
Minimalist jewelry, like dainty necklaces and understated rings, goes well with bolder short dresses; dial things up with statement earrings or puffy headbands.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2025
In 1933 Colette immortalized La Chatte as Saha, the dainty Chartreux heroine of the novella La Chatte.
—Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
Its powdery, floral fragrance comes from a mix of soothing botanical oils, and the dainty incense is light and delicate enough to burn at your bedside.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
-
Ten-inch-tall elves, called Scout Elves, arrive in children's homes ahead of Christmas with a mission to relay children's behavior back to Santa Claus for his naughty and nice list.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
To those earning $50,000 a year at their regular jobs, making $5,000 in a few nights of netting was a nice bonus.—
Steve Waters,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Produced from 1996 to 2005, the Neptune is an elegant take on the classic sports watch featuring a slim case and an integrated bracelet with fish scale-like links in honor of the god of the sea.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Paris Hilton looks elegant in a black gown with her signature sparkly touch at the Waldorf Astoria's grand reopening in New York City.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
One of the galaxies that was imaged, the face-on spiral Messier 61, displayed exquisite new details, including an enormous stellar stream never spotted before.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The gallery presents this relationship through two exquisite caftans designed by Tom Ford who was Yves Saint Laurent’s creative director from 2000 to 2004.—
Essence,
Essence,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Some even suggested delicious baking uses for the new treats.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Includes gardening tips to grow perfect perennials and chiles for every palate, plus articles on delicious Ukrainian food dishes and Christmas family traditions, banana recipe contest winners and practical life advice.—
Alex Perry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Thick-cut bacon, Panko breadcrumbs, and a touch of sherry vinegar transform Brussels sprouts into a salty and crunchy treat.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
-
These cookies are our take on the famous Levain Bakery treats from New York City.—
Lizzy Briskin,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Lily Allen strikes a pose in a delicate lace outfit on the carpet at 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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The idea worked on paper, but in practice, the alignment was extremely delicate, and the overall setup became unstable and hard to scale.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
The American brand has been manufacturing customizable stationery and fine leather goods since 1969.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Vogue,
6 Jan. 2026
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That's fine by Rodgers, who knows a thing or two about sneaking in the playoffs and going on a run.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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There are more subtle links between the franchises as well, like the casting of Cameron Brown as the Drone Synth in the film.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
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Lucky Step Platform Sneakers These brown suede platform sneakers give a subtle lift while staying super comfortable thanks to memory foam insoles and arch support.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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