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 For those willing to venture out into the cold, the arrival of several inches of the fluffy white stuff means that lots of Sooner State residents have the chance to whip up snow ice cream and other frosty delicacies. Brandy McDonnell, Oklahoman, 24 Jan. 2026 Those climaxes exerted visceral intensity, but delicacies at the threshold of audibility seemed physical presences as well. Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026 Here, the masterful chef orchestrates a multi-course omakase meal of cold and warm appetizers, followed by sushi highlighting regional delicacies like surf clams. New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 But Bryan lacks the delicacy to thread this needle. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • Tahini’s bitterness balances the intense sweetness of dates, the traditional Ramadan break-the-fast food; stuffing dates with tahini is a Ramadan treat.
    Faye Levy, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Del Mar Lifeguards will treat participating volunteers to a pancake brunch with treats and coffee donated by The Cottage and Better Buzz.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The film delves into the fragility of the human mind, the dangers of AI warfare, and the indomitable spirit required to confront terror in an increasingly digital world.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consumers are reporting in the latest Kearney Consumer Stress Index that there is surprising fragility in the top of the K and resilience at the bottom, Thomas said.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 11 Feb. 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
  • But because these runs are judged, and time counts for only 20% of the score, with jumps and precision through the moguls counting for the rest, Lamley edged out the Canadian for third.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Her own divorce, then, represented a shattering—of a home, of an identity, of a life—a process that Cusk dissects with a surgeon’s coolness and precision.
    Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But some analysts say Iran's unprecedented weakness at home could diminish the flexibility of its country's leadership to make the kinds of compromises necessary for a deal.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026
  • But ask anyone who knows him about Kuechly’s weaknesses, and the first thing that might come up is his deflection of praise.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When the estrogen hormone declines during perimenopause, the body’s insulin sensitivity decreases, too, which affects overall metabolism.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
  • But the price sensitivity of consumers for weight loss drugs remains a big unknown, which makes greater volumes and more access points important.
    Annika Kim Constantino,Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 11 Feb. 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
  • The National Park Service routinely updates exhibits across the park system to ensure historical accuracy and completeness.
    Laura Fay, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026
  • This requires clinicians to evaluate for accuracy and voice—patients like hearing back from their clinician in their own voice.
    Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.

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