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
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025
Carrying it around feels more like lugging a speaker than a dainty portable gadget, but that handle makes moving it between rooms surprisingly manageable.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Possibly my favorite fall fashion combo, the contrast of sturdy leather moto boots with a dainty silk and lace slip dress creates an effortlessly chic outfit.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2025
The 24-year-old chose a kimono-style navy mini dress, cinched with a striped tie and paired with dainty red bow heels—all from Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, naturally.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
Thin hoop earrings and a dainty necklace complete her look.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025
Carrying it around feels more like lugging a speaker than a dainty portable gadget, but that handle makes moving it between rooms surprisingly manageable.
—Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Possibly my favorite fall fashion combo, the contrast of sturdy leather moto boots with a dainty silk and lace slip dress creates an effortlessly chic outfit.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2025
The 24-year-old chose a kimono-style navy mini dress, cinched with a striped tie and paired with dainty red bow heels—all from Dior’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, naturally.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
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With that in mind, his glowing comments on Jeter paid a nice tribute.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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In her opinion, a courthouse wedding or a small ceremony in a family member's backyard would have been just as nice, Kate said.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The late, great Steve McQueen’s exquisite 1926 Excelsior Super X will go under the gavel at a bumper automotive auction this fall.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
22 Oct. 2025
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The touchpad is still big and smooth, and the haptic feedback still feels exquisite.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But harness a touch of Scotland’s inimitable peat, and the Rob Roy really steps into its own, the vermouth offering sweetness to the scotch’s smoke, their interplay both delicious and unique.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
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Greet guests with a warm welcome, a house drink, and a few delicious appetizers.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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On Monday, the prediction was for trick-or-treat time temperatures on Friday to be around 50.—
Cheryl Vari,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Oct. 2025
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Younger customers have been gravitating toward chewy, sweet treats – sales of sour candy, for example, grew 7% year over year, according to the National Confectioners Association.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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While those connotations may have long since lost their relevance, contemporary designers have been embracing lace more than ever recently, filling collections in New York Bridal Fashion Week with beautiful gowns crafted in the delicate, classic material.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
23 Oct. 2025
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She was elegantly dressed in a cream coat dress adorned with delicate embroidery, paired with matching heels and a coordinating clutch bag.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Elite-level play from the man who retained his crown as the finest running back in the land Sunday.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
20 Oct. 2025
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Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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