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noun

as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is it sensible to use choice instead of dainty?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When might delicate be a better fit than dainty?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would elegant be a good substitute for dainty?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When could exquisite be used to replace dainty?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

In what contexts can rare take the place of dainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty, 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 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
  • Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • 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
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
  • This 2009 Chardonnay has aged gracefully with a very complex bouquet of crème brûlée, peach cobbler and a hint of saltwater taffy with an incredible texture that gives it an overall elegant feeling and a very, very long finish laced with mineral aromas.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 12 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
  • Each chapter takes you right into a nonna's home in a different region—the pages read like a delicious road trip through the country.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025
  • This countertop oven bakes the perfect pizza, delicious cookies and toasts evenly.
    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, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Bo-Berry Biscuits have been around for decades, but the chain has experimented with lots of twists on the berry treats recently.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The scoop neckline and shoulders also featured some delicate gold hardware to keep things, relatively, safe.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 May 2025
  • 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
  • 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
  • With its strapless neckline, subtle side slit, and body-hugging silhouette, it was made for sipping cocktails under palm trees in Miami or dancing the night away in Barcelona.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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