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
Ironing is best for structured fabrics like cotton, linen, and denim, while steaming is gentler for delicate materials like silk and wool.
—
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
In Italy, and in D&G’s world, tradition and future are forever entwined in a delicate dance.
—Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The film earned a history-making 16 Oscar nominations, along with being a box office smash, and much of its success is due to Jordan’s delicate and dynamic work as two wholly unique characters.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
The nose is surprisingly delicate, with hints of anise, violet and maple syrup.
—Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
In Italy, and in D&G’s world, tradition and future are forever entwined in a delicate dance.
—Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 2026
The film earned a history-making 16 Oscar nominations, along with being a box office smash, and much of its success is due to Jordan’s delicate and dynamic work as two wholly unique characters.
—Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
The nose is surprisingly delicate, with hints of anise, violet and maple syrup.
—Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
Two brands – one, Diotima, led by female designer Rachel Scott, and the other, Eckhaus Latta, by Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta – showed a subtler way to get fashion audiences thinking.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
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The muted denim blue creates a subtle pop of color, and the large medallion pattern in the center is distressed for an antique feel.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
His sloped shoulders suggested bodily power that was sleepy and sly; his large head and dark, badly cut hair amplified the weight and solidity of him, but his lips were sensitive and a little slack, as if yearning for something he’d been long deprived of.—
Mary Gaitskill,
New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2026
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Derived from eucalyptus wood, the material is gentle on sensitive skin, manages moisture, and has a silky, luxe texture.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Slafkovský had two goals and an assist in a virtuoso performance, and Iowa Wild goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was sensational, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including an 18-save first period that gave his team belief that the improbable was possible.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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McIntosh, a brilliant composer who has a sideline as a virtuoso early-music violinist, revelled in the microtonal shadings that Feldman built into his notation.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Treading a fine line in Venezuela’s power struggle The amnesty push comes against the backdrop of Venezuela’s fragile post-Maduro landscape, with the acting government under Rodríguez navigating US pressure, economic challenges and calls for stability.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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Last year, thanks to a Prebys Healing Through the Arts grant, Resounding Joy brought music to 50 participants in Mama’s Kitchen’s senior nutrition program, which delivers free meals to homebound medically fragile seniors in need.—
Linda Mcintosh,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Stirring frequently, cook until garlic is a deep golden brown, being careful not to burn it, about 5 minutes.—
C.W. Cameron,
AJC.com,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Once the heavy portion is removed, finish with a clean cut where the branch meets the trunk, being careful not to injure the branch collar.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Come evening, the space becomes an elegant bar, pouring a shortlist of signature cocktails inspired by the neighborhood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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On the contrary, a living room is a formal room, classically appointed with elegant furnishings—and there’s rarely a television in sight.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The past four years of conflict have exposed more than one faulty assumption, not least the previously widespread belief even among Kyiv’s allies that Ukraine would be too weak, too disorganized, to resist a full-scale invasion.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Continue reading … PARTY RECKONING — Cortez Masto admits Democrats have been 'weak on immigration,' chides Biden.—
,
FOXNews.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Having a set time to do individual work has been nice.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
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While more attacking and midfield options are always nice, Orlando’s real problem lies in replacing key defenders who departed in the offseason.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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