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
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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
The House narrowly passed the bill last month, and Senate Republicans have since been working to put their mark on the legislation, treading carefully so as not to throw off the delicate balance in the lower chamber.
—
Kaia Hubbard
june 29, CBS News, 29 June 2025
Other Republicans have indicated the same, teeing up what could be a series of tough votes for leadership to keep their delicate compromise intact.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
Entertaining the fans is one thing, assaulting the delicate instrument that is our ears is quite another.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.
—Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Kaia Hubbard
june 29, CBS News, 29 June 2025
Other Republicans have indicated the same, teeing up what could be a series of tough votes for leadership to keep their delicate compromise intact.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2025
Entertaining the fans is one thing, assaulting the delicate instrument that is our ears is quite another.
—Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.
—Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.—
Matthew Catellier,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
-
Patients now openly discuss their experiences and are seeking natural, subtle enhancements, not exaggerated results.—
Reem Amro,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.—
Logan Holland,
People.com,
4 July 2025
-
This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
They’ve been counted on to fix what breaks, carry what slips, hold what’s fragile.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
Unlike other thin, fragile flats that offer little wear before falling apart, these are reinforced with Vionic’s trademark cushioning, a removable insert, and premium upper materials.—
Kayla Blanton,
People.com,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
If allowed, Andrew will likely bring further reputational damage to the monarchy at a time when the royal ship needs a careful steer.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
-
In reality, Israel overpowered Iran’s military and outwitted its intelligence with stunning efficiency, demonstrating years, if not decades, of careful preparation in under two weeks.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Rivers in Ecuador, India, and Canada provide the settings for this elegant travelogue, which asks whether a natural entity, such as a river, can be regarded as a living thing.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
When the team stumbles across a small Titanosaurus herd, the film privileges Henry’s reaction as the paleontologist witnesses an elegant mating ritual for the first time.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
But Democrats see Earle-Sears as a far weaker candidate than Youngkin, operating a worse environment for the GOP.—
David Weigel,
semafor.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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There are women in nice dresses and sunglasses shopping for groceries and clothing at a general store.—
JoAnn DeLuna,
NPR,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
Even when observers were given the personal backstory behind a tattoo, their judgments didn’t become significantly more accurate.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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