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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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There’s subtle tang from the sour cream and cream cheese.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
11 Oct. 2025
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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