1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences
only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation
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4
as in fragile
easily broken
delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling
the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands
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6
as in careful
hard to please
a person of delicate tastes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports
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9
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology
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10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock
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11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window
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12
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
the delicate challenge of inviting two people who don't like each other to the same party
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delicate
Perhaps best of all: The chocolate curls that are layered in, staying delicate and pliable.
—
Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025
The Fed has a delicate balancing act: trying to keep inflation on its downward trajectory while not stifling the economy.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Sherman spoke about that delicate balancing act of being in tune with pop culture while still remaining respectful.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 May 2025
The electronic components inside the earmuff are delicate and can make sanitization and storage more complicated.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025
The Fed has a delicate balancing act: trying to keep inflation on its downward trajectory while not stifling the economy.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Sherman spoke about that delicate balancing act of being in tune with pop culture while still remaining respectful.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 May 2025
The electronic components inside the earmuff are delicate and can make sanitization and storage more complicated.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
With its strapless neckline, subtle side slit, and body-hugging silhouette, it was made for sipping cocktails under palm trees in Miami or dancing the night away in Barcelona.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
13 May 2025
-
For example, comparing transcripts side by side can reveal subtle shifts in a witness' narrative, prompting further scrutiny.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Adjective
-
Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Even benchmarks can be misleading, since outcomes are highly sensitive to the types of tasks included.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
Even in the best of times, long-term observations can be very fragile.—
Eric Morgan,
Wired News,
10 May 2025
-
Fiber optic cable, in my opinion, is more fragile than traditional solid-copper coaxial cable.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
To bring back that upscale aesthetic, the Casino Royal will have a dress code that requires jackets for men and elegant dress for women.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
13 May 2025
-
For the last decade, the supermodel has served up some of the most glamorous looks, typically topped off with her long, dark hair in an elegant updo.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
The report also included a number of ‘weak’ odor sources observed during the study, including odors emanating from the Curaleaf cannabis facility on Britt Road and Goldflower Cannabis facility on Niles Road.—
James Wilkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 May 2025
-
Thompson’s brother Maurice, who allegedly drove the chasing Chevrolet Equinox, was granted bail in October — indicating a potentially weak case.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Adjective
-
While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
16 May 2025
-
But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
To be more accurate, residents in 69 towns rolled out their trash bins every week and never thought about where it was headed and one town received it all.—
Sarah McCoy,
Hartford Courant,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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