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 Foie gras — or fattened liver of a duck or goose — is a delicacy in French cooking that is occasionally featured on higher-end restaurants’ menus. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 30 Dec. 2025 The eight-course tasting menu is worth the splurge since you’ll dine on delicacies like frog legs and foie gras. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025 However, the trading bloc is a major exporter of pork and key supplier of byproducts such as ears, snouts, feet and other items considered to be delicacies in China. Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025 The wines will be served exclusively through the resort’s 10-course chef’s table experience, complementing the fresh vegetables and herbs from the resort farm and the ocean delicacies straight from the sea. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • An albino raccoon named Cricket reaches through the wires of its cage to grab an animal cracker, an appetizer treat right before the evening meal.
    Blake Farmer, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Bayt Almocha sells a variety of pastries, including cheesecake, macarons and sabaya, a traditional Yemeni treat made with thin layers of dough brushed in butter.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The theocracy of the ayatollahs has been exposed in all its fragility.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
  • And at the time that this sign was built, this fragility illustrated everything.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 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
  • Data centres and automation are raising requirements for power, connectivity, and operational precision.
    CBS News, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Players use it for precision drills and reaction training.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The strengths and weaknesses are always shown in a game like this.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, CMS is caused by a gene change that results in muscle weakness, which worsens with physical activity.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • With hormonal changes like sensitivity, breakouts, or dryness, skin often benefits from gentler, more supportive formulas that focus on comfort, hydration, and protection.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Rare-earth deposits are also frequently found alongside radioactive uranium, heightening environmental and political sensitivities as Greenland seeks to grow its tourism industry.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Or is this a kind of fastidiousness of yours?
    Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The filmmaking is precise and refined, but free of the self-conscious fastidiousness that often passes for style on the international festival circuit.
    Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
  • Motorola built the camera system around Sony’s LYTIA sensor to improve brightness and color accuracy.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • For decades, the program was known for a rigorous scientific review and inspection process to ensure accuracy.
    Lucas Waldron, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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