DELICATE Synonyms: 534 Similar and Opposite Words

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

delicate

adjective

ˈde-li-kət

Definition of delicate next

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

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

as in virtuoso

accomplished with trained ability the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fragile

easily broken delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in frail

easily injured without careful handling the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in careful

hard to please a person of delicate tastes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in weak

lacking bodily strength a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in accurate

meeting the highest standard of accuracy extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Synonym Chooser

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

When could rare be used to replace delicate?

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

rare beauty

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 Klum accessorized the Australian couturier’s dress with gold jewelry pieces, including bracelets and rings, among other delicate pieces. —

Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 The dainty voile and lace panel tank perfectly pairs with the brand’s relaxed balloon-leg pant, equipped with a delicate pointelle lace hem with beautiful movement (ideal for those soft beach breezes). —

Morgan Evans, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026 The book beautifully captures the delicate line between love and hate, between victimhood and complicity. —

Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 26 May 2026 This example is just one of the hundreds of delicate design trade-offs that would plague any interstellar vessel. —

Kai James, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate

Adjective

The collection is highly versatile, offering both subtle nods to the sport and head-to-toe outfits, all created in a patriotic color palette of red, white and a variety of blues.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 3 June 2026
The actress, also known for Todd Haynes' film May December, later comments on that subtle addition in a May 2026 interview.

— Entertainment Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, 3 June 2026

Definition of subtle

Browse Nearby Words

delicacy

delicate

delicately

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of delicate

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on delicate

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

redolent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

On ‘Suffice It to Say’

Regarding the Incorrect Use of 'Decimate'

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Where does 'curiosity killed the cat' come from?

What to Call the Inept, Incompetent, and Inferior

The Words of the Week - Jun 5

Popular

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

Strange Words for Body Functions

Games & Quizzes