Thesaurus

dainty

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of dainty

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 hard to please

you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving

Synonyms for dainty

Words Related to dainty

Near Antonyms for dainty

lenient,
permissive

uncritical

Antonyms for dainty

2 having qualities that appeal to a refined taste

the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling

Synonyms for dainty

Words Related to dainty

bijou,
jewellike

elite,
exclusive

ultrarare

Near Antonyms for dainty

common,
ordinary

3 satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness

a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady

Synonyms for dainty

Words Related to dainty

picked,
selected

Near Antonyms for dainty

common,
ordinary

Antonyms for dainty

4 very pleasing to the sense of taste

the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea

Synonyms for dainty

Words Related to dainty

satisfying

Near Antonyms for dainty

miserable,
wretched

Antonyms for dainty

dainty

noun

Synonyms of dainty (Entry 2 of 2)

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 for dainty

bit,
cate
[archaic],
delectable,
delicacy,
goody
(or goodie),
kickshaw,
tidbit
(also titbit),
treat,
viand

Words Related to dainty

morsel

Frequently Asked Questions About dainty

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