Thesaurus

delicate

Q: How is the word 'delicate' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of delicate are choice , dainty , elegant , exquisite , and rare . While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility. // delicate craftsmanship

Q: Where would 'choice' be a reasonable alternative to 'delicate'?

The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind. // choice fabric

Q: In what contexts can 'dainty' take the place of 'delicate'?

While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate. // dainty sandwiches

Q: When can 'elegant' be used instead of 'delicate'?

Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste. // a sumptuous but elegant dining room

Q: When is it sensible to use 'exquisite' instead of 'delicate'?

The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste. // an exquisite gold bracelet

Q: When could 'rare' be used to replace 'delicate'?

The meanings of rare and delicate largely overlap; however, rare suggests an uncommon excellence. // rare beauty

adjective

Save Word

Synonyms & Antonyms of delicate

1 satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness

a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

picked,
selected

Near Antonyms for delicate

common,
ordinary

Antonyms for delicate

2 able to sense slight impressions or differences

only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

3 accomplished with trained ability

the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

facile,
smooth

Near Antonyms for delicate

incompetent,
inept

Antonyms for delicate

4 easily broken

delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

Antonyms for delicate

5 easily injured without careful handling

the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

Antonyms for delicate

tough

6 hard to please

a person of delicate tastes

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

lenient,
permissive

uncritical

Antonyms for delicate

7 having qualities that appeal to a refined taste

delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

bijou,
jewellike

elite,
exclusive

ultrarare

Near Antonyms for delicate

common,
ordinary

8 lacking bodily strength

a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

paralyzed

impotent,
powerless

Near Antonyms for delicate

capable,
competent

Antonyms for delicate

9 made or done with extreme care and accuracy

delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

broad,
indefinite

Antonyms for delicate

10 meeting the highest standard of accuracy

extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

nice,
subtle

Near Antonyms for delicate

approximate,
round

careless,
loose

Antonyms for delicate

11 not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect

a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window

Synonyms for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

Antonyms for delicate

12 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 for delicate

Words Related to delicate

Near Antonyms for delicate

Frequently Asked Questions About delicate

How is the word delicate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of delicate are choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would choice be a reasonable alternative to delicate?

The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

In what contexts can dainty take the place of delicate?

While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When can elegant be used instead of delicate?

Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is it sensible to use exquisite instead of delicate?

The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet