dainty 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

dainty

2 of 2

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
The classics, without question, are great starters—hoop earrings, diamond studs, dainty gold necklaces. Samantha Solomon, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025 Known for its charming and dainty identity and collaborations, Beauty Creations has become a staple in the beauty community. Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 While the color is airy enough to feel like summer—especially when paired with a dainty chiffon skirt like on the With Jéan website—the muted tone looks soft and luxe as a fall-winter knit. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025 This dainty flower reaches just six inches tall, making a lovely edge for pathways. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • With a turtleneck and jeans For an ensemble that’s nice (and warm) enough to wear in practically any situation, just add an eye-catching topper to your usual cold-weather combo.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Which would make a nice change of pace from the collective teeth-gnashing in FoCo lately.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her blonde hair was parted at the side and tucked low in an elegant bun in the back.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The elegant car, original down to the paint, is a legacy that will be passed on to her daughter.
    Laura Lane, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In short, in both proclamations Lincoln was a consummate lawyer who paid exquisite attention to questions of constitutionality and scrupulously honored his oath of office to act under the Constitution, not over or outside it.
    Akhil Reed Amar, Time, 22 Sep. 2025
  • The family-friendly production boasts custom scenery, exquisite costumes.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Nothing beats a delicious meal that comes together in one pot while delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
    Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Besides the delicious sandwiches, the mango and papaya parfait was particularly delightful and light, and the chocolate cake came adored with a pink butterfly.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Bo, the therapy dog for the Metro Nashville Police Department, hung up his vest and is living the good life, eating his favorite treat, duck jerky with handler Faye Okert, who retired with her dog after more than three decades in policing.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Your animal friends will get tasty pumpkin treats and seasonal enrichment as jack o' lanterns become reefs for the underwater creatures.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But their insect-like movements hint at a future where fleets of miniature robots could glide across water, performing tasks once too dangerous or delicate for humans.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Silver’s delivery is, possibly, more delicate than mine will be.
    Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Posey would have been a fine choice, based on his three rings alone.
    Jayson Stark, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The two were indeed a fun, fine, refreshing, and hilarious pair.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, the more subtle aspects of Goodman’s all-around game — pitch calling, receiving, and knowledge of opposing hitters — have been impressive.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The roomy primary compartment offers ample space for your phone, wallet, and other sightseeing essentials, while a subtle pocket at the back of the bag is a safe place to store your passport during travel days.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dainty

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!