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 All are foods and, in some cases, delicacies. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 The Southern delicacy is always a favorite at any time of year, but particularly on a holiday table. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026 With distinctive communities scattered across thousands of islands, there are seemingly infinite regional delicacies to keep an eye out for. Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026 Navigating the inner and outer worlds of an incredible young person with intimacy and delicacy, this debut feature director shows resilience, sensibility, creativity in the constant adaptation to life’s constraints. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
Noun
  • Peaches is described as affectionate and well-balanced — enjoying car rides, treats and quiet time at home.
    Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The Georgia peach ice cream sandwich is a cool sweet treat.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The 2026 World Press Photo Contest documents our fragility, resiliency, and the best and worst of humanity.
    Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Defensive mistakes, goalkeeper uncertainty and star Christian Pulisic’s scoring drought have exposed structural fragility in the American squad with little time to fix it.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 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
  • B-52s can also be used to provide close air support for ground troops by acting as enormous loitering munition silos able to drop precision bombs where needed.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The draw is something that’s difficult to define with precision.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Years of the petrodollar’s weakening grasp The petrodollar’s weakness has been quietly exposed for even years prior to Saudi Arabia’s currency swap with China.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Reinsdorf also emphasized the importance of both internal and external communication for a new hire, a notable weakness of the Karnišovas administration.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Using artificial intelligence to scan more than 400,000 Reddit posts, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania documented numerous reports of possible GLP-1 side effects that may be underrecognized in clinical trials — including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature sensitivities.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Apr. 2026
  • While the subject matter is bleak, Almodóvar balances the darkness with a tenderness and sensitivity that comes from a career of exploring women's lives at their most intimate.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 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
  • Football kickers want to keep their shoulders and chest square to the ball when kicking, which ensures better accuracy.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The league is steadfast about its accuracy.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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