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dainty

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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
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 The dainty scalloped edge is a real conversation-starter, and adds some playful texture to the monotone fall layer. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2025 The classics, without question, are great starters—hoop earrings, diamond studs, dainty gold necklaces. Samantha Solomon, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025 One is a dog, one is a daintier version of Reynolds himself, one is a Lady Deadpool, and another is emblazoned with the green colors and red dragon of the Welsh flag. Christian Holub, EW.com, 29 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • The sound system isn’t as nice, and the side-view mirrors now have to be manually folded.
    Patrick George, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The gardener was removing excess leaves to give the tree a cleaner look, an attention to detail required at a nice hotel — The Grove — that’s been housing NFL teams since Aaron Glenn, now the New York Jets head coach, was still playing for the New Orleans Saints in 2008.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The home’s signatures, soaring inside spaces and elegant natural materials, are designed to match the spectacular vistas seen through towering floor-to-ceiling windows.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 11 Oct. 2025
  • With its refined silhouette, subtle logo detailing, and classic colors—from black to a fall-ready burgundy—the elegant accessory can be dressed down for coffee runs and classed up for date nights.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Plockton This exquisite one-bedroom cottage is set within the grounds of Preston Hall estate, just 12 miles from Edinburgh’s city center.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Cooper as an actor has always been adept at comedy, and here in the standard best friend supporting role, exhibits again some exquisite timing, as does the wonderful Day, who memorably nails her all too brief few scenes.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Our Test Kitchen pros are always developing delicious pasta recipes, but this One-Pot Spaghetti has become extra famous around the office.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Smoothies are a delicious treat that's creamy, cold and full of flavor.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Below, the cast shares a few tricks and treats from the movie, including a few romantic moments, who can't contain their laughter, and more.
    Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Smoothies are a delicious treat that's creamy, cold and full of flavor.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Fed’s decision-making seems more delicate — and more divided — than it’s been in years.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Stars who also produce are in a particularly delicate bind, especially those with millions of social media followers.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, the shells continue to be found on powwow regalia (Russell McCloud is an in-demand artist for traditional breastplates), as well as on avant-garde runway fashions and fine jewelry pieces.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Oregon is fine On the surface, a single loss by the Ducks to a top-five team won’t be all that damaging in the long term.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though the Lions’ offensive linemen do an excellent job of selling run on play-action passes, there’s still a subtle difference to note early between run blocking and pass blocking.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
  • There’s subtle tang from the sour cream and cream cheese.
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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