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
Keep a handful near your washing machine or drying rack for blouses, dresses, workout wear, or delicate pieces that should skip the dryer.
—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2026
Bierly’s delicate voice proves surprisingly adaptable throughout the record.
—
Nick Ayres Demasi,
Pitchfork,
1 July 2026
Royal Tokaji's expression opens with delicate floral aromas before revealing layers of crisp apple, pear, apricot and stone fruit.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Juicy Like a Peach Vaginal Gel is powered by HPMC-5, an ingredient long used in pharmaceutical products that protect delicate tissues, like medical membranes or scaffolds (small structures to give structure for regrowing tissue or bone).
—
Maggie Ryan,
Flow Space,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2026
Bierly’s delicate voice proves surprisingly adaptable throughout the record.
—
Nick Ayres Demasi,
Pitchfork,
1 July 2026
Royal Tokaji's expression opens with delicate floral aromas before revealing layers of crisp apple, pear, apricot and stone fruit.
—
Emily Cappiello,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Juicy Like a Peach Vaginal Gel is powered by HPMC-5, an ingredient long used in pharmaceutical products that protect delicate tissues, like medical membranes or scaffolds (small structures to give structure for regrowing tissue or bone).
—
Maggie Ryan,
Flow Space,
30 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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Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
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So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
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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Determination and careful calculations — hold on, carry the 2 — are a must.
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Graduate students face lower federal limits and the loss of Grad PLUS, requiring careful financial planning.
Adjective
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The result is an elegant estate where guests can have a refined Irish breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea or cocktails come sunset.
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Upano’s operatic scope and clean, elegant sentences really swept me off my feet.
Adjective
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Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
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In a weak free-agency class, centers Robert Williams III (Portland) and Mark Williams (Phoenix) are already off the market, each reportedly agreeing to return to their current teams.
Adjective
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Neither side has been shy of attacking, which has been a nice change of pace compared with the first couple of knockout stage matches.
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Been shooting some nice low scores in these last couple weeks outs here, so that’s something good to pat myself on the back.
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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