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Definition of daintynext
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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
These dainty bunches of ivory blooms pack a punch in the fragrance department. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 In May, Rodrigo performed at a Spotify event in Barcelona, wearing a puffy floral top and matching bloomers, an ensemble that resembled a baby-doll dress, or, more specifically, the kind of dainty frock a Victorian toddler might have donned to waddle the gardens under her nanny’s parasol. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 Only the heel of a woman's oxford pump could make that sort of solid but somehow dainty rat-a-tat-tat. Danielle Parker, CBS News, 9 June 2026 The fifth picture in the slideshow was a Polaroid of Hadid looking glam, wearing several dainty gold chains around her neck while wearing a delicate brown top. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • In Colima city for coffee and a nice meal, visitors should bookmark Puerto Café and Cumbre, a restaurant and bakery that stands out in a scene of growing maturity and ambition.
    Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • Johnson could provide a nice defensive partner with Flagg in the front court with Johnson’s rim protections and ability to switch on the perimeter.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • These summer-flowering bulbs produce elegant, tall spikes of flowers that contrast well with the more traditional bloom shapes of dahlias.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some companies expected to attend — like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and L3Harris — produce parts for more exquisite munitions, like the Patriot interceptor missiles that can each cost $4 million to $5 million.
    Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • The maison’s jewelry is displayed atop custom stone plinths, spotlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of each creation.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Personal Blender includes two Tritan Renew blending cups and the ultra-durable Rapid Extractor Blade to make delicious smoothies and more.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
  • Sweet and spicy pepper jelly makes these fast-fix wings extra delicious.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • This series has been a particular treat for Abreu, who grew up rooting for the Rockies because longtime outfielder Carlos ‘CarGo’ Gonzalez hailed from his home city of Maracaibo, Venezuela.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • To accessorize her look, Chopra Jonas opted for delicate jewelry pieces that augmented the vibrant color scheme of her attire.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • Crappies, walleyes, and panfish are usually fried, and that’s partially because their thinner, more delicate fillets benefit from a batter coating holding them together during the cooking process.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is a real distinction between a city unified by five fine starting players in a game that originally involved throwing a ball into a peach basket and that, however improbably, became the city game, and the bloody display in the nation’s capital.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
  • Los Angeles County health officer Muntu Davis said the main public health concern was smoke and fine particles that can cause temporary irritation of the ear, nose, throat and lungs, as well as exacerbate heart and lung conditions.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Available in a style with the same stripes that Paltrow favors, the top offers a subtle pattern that’ll make your outfit pop.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026
  • The square neckline adds a flattering, feminine touch, while the subtle volume in the sleeves gives it a slightly dressier feel than your average tee.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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