Definition of delicacynext
1
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury presented with a plate of national delicacies while they waited for the queen

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2
3
as in daintiness
the tendency to be or state of being squeamish the urgent need for blood prompted many people to overcome their habitual delicacy and become first-time donors

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as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences the delicacy of the sensor is such that it will be affected by the slightest vibration

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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 delicacy Kenya has previously fined Belgian teenagers who were found in possession of queen ants, which are used as delicacies and kept as pets in Europe and Asia. ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 The sculptures showed the strain and the delicacy of their materials. Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026 An idea from James’ mind is beamed directly to you, decades later, having lost none of its delicacy, strength, and wonder. Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2026 Miss Manners therefore recommends issuing the warning, after giving consideration to such delicacies as gender, familiarity, rank and any nearby sharp objects. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • However, dark chocolate is high in sugar and calories, so it should be eaten in moderation as an occasional treat.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Throughout the detailed narrative that rewards close scrutiny (Steve Arnold’s production design is a constant treat all by itself), the cast thrives.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • More concerning was the growing defensive fragility as the game wore on, exposed on the counter-attack and from set pieces.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The widespread violence exposes the fragility of Mali’s military junta’s security strategy.
    Mark Banchereau, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • With a daintiness at odds with its 120 kilos, the bear extricates its wrist from the tie and calmly takes its leave.
    Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • More than anything, Bernard’s significant production at the college level should better position him to make an impact with a QB like Rodgers, who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Sets from upstarts like Creepy Nuts, Pawsa, Geese and Slayyyter, along with emphatic crowds at rock heavyweights like Jack White, Turnstile and even Sombr, traded seamlessness and precision for immediacy and friction — louder, looser, more physical in ways that were best felt than watched.
    Andrea Domanick, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Some analysts have raised alarms about how weakness in a key node of the web, like OpenAI, could set off a chain reaction that could threaten the entire AI ecosystem.
    Rob Wile, NBC news, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Prior to his senior year, Maloney worked extremely hard to correct his weakness.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Key Takeaways Afternoon and evening exercise improves blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity more than morning exercise, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 1 May 2026
  • Insulin sensitivity tends to decrease at night, meaning that your body isn’t as efficient at transporting sugar from your bloodstream to your cells.
    Gavin Escott, USA Today, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Bryant is a restrained writer, and the fastidiousness of his elastic text does little to allay those who are likely to become inflamed.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • More such fastidiousness will be needed to arrest the domino effect of delegitimization and to renew the small guarantees of truth and dignity in public life customarily provided by legacy institutions.
    Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Quijano's team was able to track the orbits of the 15 binary systems to millisecond accuracy.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • In a separate homeowner lawsuit in Oklahoma state court, State Farm's lawyers said the company launched an initiative in 2020 to improve the accuracy of its claims-handling practices, including correcting overpayment and underpayment of claims for wind and hail damage.
    Michael Copley, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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