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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Along the south-facing bits of my garden the daintiest of bulbs, snowdrops (Galanthus species and hybrids) already popped up their delicate, drooping white blooms and fresh, green foliage.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
The royal varies her footwear style, going from heeled loafers with a suit to daintier heels all in the same week.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025
Despite its larger size, the swan is definitely dainty, with a balletic beauty fit for a swan—or a Midwest—princess.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
The watches on the wrists of celebrities this week ran the gamut, from dainty vintage beauties to hulking new releases.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2026
Along the south-facing bits of my garden the daintiest of bulbs, snowdrops (Galanthus species and hybrids) already popped up their delicate, drooping white blooms and fresh, green foliage.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
The royal varies her footwear style, going from heeled loafers with a suit to daintier heels all in the same week.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025
Despite its larger size, the swan is definitely dainty, with a balletic beauty fit for a swan—or a Midwest—princess.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
-
Neemias Queta made all three of his field goals in the opening quarter, including a nice turnaround hook shot over Jokic and a last-second alley-oop from Pritchard, whose penchant for buzzer-beaters likely drew Denver’s attention away from the lurking big man.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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The Executive Rooms have cushy beds, nice hardwood floors, spa showers, jetted tubs, a super-ergonomic office chair, and energizing views of Metcalfe Street.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
What waits behind the greenhouses and garden beds is a sprawling oasis of elegant indoor-outdoor dining with a secret garden appeal that feels worlds away from the chain restaurants nearby.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Soprano Nicole Car’s initially elegant Elizabeth accumulates both physical and vocal intensity as the opera exposes more and more skulduggery around her.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In isolation, against a white background that is actually overcast sky, a hook or a caisson or a sheaf of rebar appears sculptural, abstract, exquisite.—
Nick Paumgarten,
New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Crafted by Cartier between 1918 and 1929, the pair boast an exquisite Art Deco design, fashioned with modern cut diamonds and set in platinum.—
Stephanie Bridger-Linning,
Vanity Fair,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This savory cousin of our Cinnamon-Sugar Pull-Apart Bread is a delicious alternative to classic dinner rolls.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Chef Subedi worked around a need for gluten-free food by supplying delicious buckwheat crepes for breakfast instead of bread.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At the far end of the open-plan ground floor is Sushi Nagi—an intimate counter restaurant with wall panels depicting pines, where chef Taira Tsuneyoshi skillfully presents an array of local treats, from uni sea urchin to Botan-ebi shrimps.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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There will also be a rotating line up of pop-up vendors selling a range of treats.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Knee-high socks in black or white complemented pointed pumps and derby shoes alike, with a playful floral pattern or delicate crochet design at the lower level.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Or omit the bonus ingredients entirely and try these scones on their own in their lofty, delicate, and delicious glory.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jolie Brasserie serves French cuisine using fine local ingredients (think Kyoto Nanatani duck confit to Kumamoto Akaushi steak frites) and is also the venue for breakfast each morning.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
If a healthy player sits, the millionaires are fine and the fans get screwed.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Sleek lines, warm wood tones and moody, dark finishes create a space that feels contemporary and intimate, with subtle nods to the building’s artistic past in the art hanging on the walls curated from local Denver artists.—
Sara Rosenthal,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
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Minimal, low-profile, and finished with a subtle platform sole, these Pumas are the sneakers that go from museum-hopping to dinner reservations without missing a beat.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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