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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Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
-
Rivers in Ecuador, India, and Canada provide the settings for this elegant travelogue, which asks whether a natural entity, such as a river, can be regarded as a living thing.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.—
John Last,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
-
Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Pick up some bright red tomatoes for a salad, homemade soap, vegetables for a delicious dinner or fresh bread straight from the oven at your local market.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
6 July 2025
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Since the lawyers meet to try the city’s best restaurant, there are plenty of close-ups of their meals and everything looks delicious.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
This Tonight Show segment started off with a delightful treat for any Anthony Bourdain heads in the audience.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
Sax Paris pulls out all the stops for kids, from welcome treats like a lion plush toy (the hotel’s mascot) to teepees on request for young children ages two to eight or an extra bed for older children.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
26 June 2025
Adjective
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Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Fata Morgana Scabiosa is often used in cottage and wildflower gardens because of its many delicate, circular flowers and long, spindly stems.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Yet there's also some darn fine journalism in writer/director James Gunn's film.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
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Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
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Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results.—
Reem Amro,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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