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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
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
  • But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
  • While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.
    Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • The play’s cast is excellent, particularly the exquisite, charismatic and very funny Mahira Kakkar as Ananya.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The tea rose first became available for purchase in 2025, and it’s been hard for gardeners to get their hands on; this exquisite bloom remains in high demand.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike indulging for a week on regular vacations, the cruise's generous food options – though often delicious – can be a bit overwhelming for some passengers after a few months.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The competition ended with a delicious buffet lunch attended by 500 people.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • All of this means that if Sabalenka is alive in the final four and Świątek is on the other side of the net, both are likely to be in the kind of form to give the sport a rare treat: the two of them actually playing one another.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 22 May 2025
  • Complete with flowers, sweet treats and drinks, Joanna praised all of her daughter's hard work in the caption.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • This transformation requires a delicate balancing act.
    Miles Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The team first crushes the rocks into fine grains and separates out the zircons using dense liquids and magnetic fields.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
  • There have been constant rumors the attacker has been close to signing a new contract at San Siro, but a deal has not yet been agreed and there may well be Champions League clubs interested in him this summer after his fine personal form during the team’s otherwise tumultuous campaign.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 25 May 2025
  • The navy, white, and subtle red palette nods to the seaside and seamlessly blends into Printemps' signature French elegance.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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