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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability
the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in fragile
easily broken
delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling
the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy
extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of delicate
The filmmaker emphasizes the delicate balance required when helming such a high-profile project.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2025
Some brushes can tug, cause static, or pull too harshly at delicate strands, leading to unnecessary damage over time.
—Daisy Maldonado, Glamour, 20 June 2025
In Tahiti, there was worry and protests when a large scaffolding was built on the delicate reef for the 2024 Olympics.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Consider Your Lifestyle: Heat, tension, and long periods between wash days can further compromise already delicate strands.
—Essence, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 June 2025
Some brushes can tug, cause static, or pull too harshly at delicate strands, leading to unnecessary damage over time.
—Daisy Maldonado, Glamour, 20 June 2025
In Tahiti, there was worry and protests when a large scaffolding was built on the delicate reef for the 2024 Olympics.
—Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 19 June 2025
Consider Your Lifestyle: Heat, tension, and long periods between wash days can further compromise already delicate strands.
—Essence, 19 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
-
The result was a robust workforce forecasting model, one that’s sophisticated enough to consider the subtle complexities of human behavior and help identify potential attrition risks.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
American military and diplomatic outposts across the globe are on high alert after a U.S. bombing raid on Saturday struck three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear facilities, prompting vows of retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a widening regional war.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
23 June 2025
-
Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
However, removing them can undermine employee engagement, especially in hybrid or rapidly changing environments with fragile personal connections.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
In the span of a week, the U.S. shifted from the brink of global conflict to a fragile ceasefire.—
Sharyl Attkisson,
Baltimore Sun,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
However, be careful of blurring the distinction between professional and personal relationships.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
19 June 2025
-
While the latest inflation and jobs market reports showed that any disruption caused by tariffs has so far been minor, the Fed is clearly being careful about what could happen in the coming weeks and months.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
Beside skiing and yachting, tennis is one of its major concerns, and this season’s assortment includes the elegant Ellen blazer.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
30 June 2025
-
For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
Adjective
-
The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.—
Megan C. Reynolds,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
Many of these gardens are free or cheap to visit, giving you another option to go somewhere and get outside when the weather is nice while saving some money.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Bottom line: Even when data show that generative AI is more accurate, patients still want to talk with a human when facing complex or life-threatening decisions.—
Robert Pearl,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Despite the vast expansion in the number of sensors, the insurance institute’s testing found, the male THOR dummy was less accurate than the current Hybrid dummies, which also had limitations.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share