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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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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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
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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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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
These capture the delicate femininity of a ballet flat, with a subtle lift.
—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Micron posted the results at a delicate moment for the AI industry.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Plus, thanks to aloe vera and chamomile extract, the formula soothes sensitive, delicate skin.
—
Jenny Berg,
Glamour,
25 June 2026
The photos, plain and anonymous, feature a woman in a white dress, her head cropped out of the photo and a girl in pink, heavily blurred, turning away from the camera to reveal a braid garnished with a delicate bow.
—
Lauren Fichten,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
25 June 2026
Micron posted the results at a delicate moment for the AI industry.
—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
25 June 2026
Plus, thanks to aloe vera and chamomile extract, the formula soothes sensitive, delicate skin.
—
Jenny Berg,
Glamour,
25 June 2026
The photos, plain and anonymous, feature a woman in a white dress, her head cropped out of the photo and a girl in pink, heavily blurred, turning away from the camera to reveal a braid garnished with a delicate bow.
—
Lauren Fichten,
CBS News,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
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Available in a style with the same stripes that Paltrow favors, the top offers a subtle pattern that’ll make your outfit pop.
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The square neckline adds a flattering, feminine touch, while the subtle volume in the sleeves gives it a slightly dressier feel than your average tee.
Adjective
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According to the text of the current agreement, the most sensitive nuclear issues are not yet agreed to on paper.
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Just last month, an attack on Canvas, a software used in schools and colleges, put thousands of students at risk by exposing sensitive information.
Adjective
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Thanks to more than 200 years of intense and virtuoso scientific work, what were once valid or at least plausible concerns and objections to vaccines have been overcome.
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A lot of the movie feels like a virtuoso chase sequence, people barreling down the road, guns blazing.
Adjective
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The system has long been mired in controversy, including exam paper leaks and technical failures, placing a crushing burden on students, and financial strain on families investing everything in their children for a promise that can often appear fragile.
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However, price bulls highlight a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and past IEA surplus forecasts that failed to depress prices.
Adjective
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China walked a careful diplomatic line during the conflict.
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All that plus nightly turndown service and 24-hour room service reflect the careful attention paid to guests at Moon Palace The Grand—Cancun.
Adjective
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Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays.
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These summer-flowering bulbs produce elegant, tall spikes of flowers that contrast well with the more traditional bloom shapes of dahlias.
Adjective
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But lingering high ticket prices combined with weaker teams might mean sparse attendance.
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Tokyo wants to appear to be fighting a weak yen, while welcoming it in private.
Adjective
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In Colima city for coffee and a nice meal, visitors should bookmark Puerto Café and Cumbre, a restaurant and bakery that stands out in a scene of growing maturity and ambition.
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Johnson could provide a nice defensive partner with Flagg in the front court with Johnson’s rim protections and ability to switch on the perimeter.
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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