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
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British puppeteer Rod Hull arrives on set with his ersatz bird that promptly snaps at Carson while playing nice with Richard Pryor on the Tonight Show couch.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
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There is a blended family about to be formed, as well as a blending of cultures within that family that was nice to see.—
Katie Grant,
Parents,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Suddenly, a classic white T-shirt and jeans combo has become dynamic, interesting, and highly elegant.—
Paulina Berges,
Glamour,
16 Aug. 2025
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Clad in stainless steel, the hall’s sweeping concave and convex forms are at once a frothy and elegant statement on Grand Avenue.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Very concentrated fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, exquisite finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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More recently, in the cover story of last year’s March/April issue, Beyoncé wore an exquisite metal and floral bustier by Olivier Rousteing.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In the video, a school bus gets stuck in a pothole and JJ and his friends transform into superheroes after eating some delicious fruity muffins.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
8 Aug. 2025
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For oceanfront views and delicious seafood, Waterman’s Surfside Grille on the south end of the Boardwalk is a go-to, famous for its breezy patio and signature Orange Crush.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Brown Butter Apple Cobbler, for example, is a sweet treat perfect for adding to fall menus.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Aug. 2025
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These may be the perfect treat for that last dog walk before bed.—
Emily Earlenbaugh,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Exercising sound discretion while remaining faithful to the grantor’s wishes is a delicate balancing act that requires insight and judgment.—
Royce Ramey,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One more beer, condensation rolling down the can in the lazy swell of this fine summer afternoon.—
Kristen Arnett
August 7,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
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The Diggers passed out thousands of hits of Owsley Stanley’s finest and served turkey sandwiches, which Stanley had also contributed.—
Dennis McNally,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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There's a subtle but powerful form of manipulation happening in AI companions.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The spawn, which typically takes place over a few days and lasts less than 20 minutes, is triggered by subtle environmental cues — moon phase, tides and water temperatures — that healthy reefs once responded to in consistent synchronization.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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