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
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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Perhaps best of all: The chocolate curls that are layered in, staying delicate and pliable.
—
Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025
The Fed has a delicate balancing act: trying to keep inflation on its downward trajectory while not stifling the economy.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Sherman spoke about that delicate balancing act of being in tune with pop culture while still remaining respectful.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 May 2025
The electronic components inside the earmuff are delicate and can make sanitization and storage more complicated.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 May 2025
The Fed has a delicate balancing act: trying to keep inflation on its downward trajectory while not stifling the economy.
—Shannon Carroll, Quartz, 13 May 2025
Sherman spoke about that delicate balancing act of being in tune with pop culture while still remaining respectful.
—Jessica Wang, EW.com, 13 May 2025
The electronic components inside the earmuff are delicate and can make sanitization and storage more complicated.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
25 May 2025
-
The navy, white, and subtle red palette nods to the seaside and seamlessly blends into Printemps' signature French elegance.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Security clearance requirements limit the most sensitive jobs to U.S. citizens.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Even benchmarks can be misleading, since outcomes are highly sensitive to the types of tasks included.—
Josipa Majic Predin,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
For Testers The focus shifts from maintaining fragile scripts tied to UI elements to ensuring robust, conceptual test coverage.—
Asad Khan,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
As neo-colonial dynamics among the expatriate community unravel, this fragile bond becomes his only refuge from an impending collapse into solitude or barbarism.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
From examining markets and assessing team capacity to reviewing current offerings, the decision to expand to a second storefront is one that requires careful consideration before any concrete plans are put in motion.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Hillman and the department urged residents in the area to be extra careful this time of year.—
Brooke Baitinger,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2025
Adjective
-
Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The grand jury also criticizes city officials for weak oversight and enforcement of their contract with the Humane Society, which requires the nonprofit to enforce leash laws at 400 city parks and other venues.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
-
Thanks to a weak front sliding across Central Florida, Thursday will be a bit cooler than prior days.—
Garfield Hylton,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
However, a very nice man let us in, much to the chagrin of a lady who did not want to let us in.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
16 May 2025
-
But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
To be more accurate, residents in 69 towns rolled out their trash bins every week and never thought about where it was headed and one town received it all.—
Sarah McCoy,
Hartford Courant,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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