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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
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
  • And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With elegant interiors, a stunning outdoor patio, and a nod to the artistic and culinary traditions of the Côte d'Azur, Claudie invites guests to indulge in the magic of the South of France with every visit.
    Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • This small deciduous tree's exquisite blossoms show up before the leaves each year.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Bryson DeChambeau DeChambeau does little wrong, and he’s been exquisite in every facet this week.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Grilling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy proteins and veggies, but there’s ways to make that grilling experience bigger and bolder, and add a lot of flavor.
    Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Get The Recipe Texas Sheet Cake Cookies Fans of Texas Sheet Cake will fall in love with this recipe, which turns the popular cake into bite-size treats.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Gary can now play with him in the yard, with Sabie no longer wearing a muzzle and happy to be fed treats by his new friend, while remaining on a leash.
    Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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