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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 There’s an elegant severity to the natural elements that share the frame with the movie’s characters, manifested in silhouettes against vast cloudy skies, delicate snowfalls, shafts of light in dark interiors and crisp air filled with smoke and dust. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025 Standout design details include ceramic tableware, delicate textiles, and vibrant patterns—all exclusively hand-painted in three distinct patterns. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 2 May 2025 This delicate equilibrium underscores the significance of integrating self-determination and Stoicism into a cohesive leadership philosophy. Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Royal beauty is all about subtlety: a whisper of nail color, a polished updo, delicate highlights. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
  • Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.
    Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The Row’s ’90s Bag makes a second cameo for a subtle finishing touch.
    Talia Abbas, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free.
    Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Historically, he's been sensitive to them, but his focus seems more on pushing his agenda than chasing approval numbers.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In public comments to the federal agency, city leaders stressed how the Big Easy's already fragile, aging drinking water infrastructure would have trouble withstanding the impacts if the 2024 sill were to breach.
    Kati Weis, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Automation reduces labor dependency, stabilizes production costs, and ends our reliance on fragile, offshore supply chains.
    Cam Myers, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This careful search led Phan's team to a single object, a tiny dot in the infrared data.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 May 2025
  • Her empathetic approach and careful unfolding of Dean’s story — particularly the bond between mother and son — reflect the very best of British documentary filmmaking.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Some people prefer more minimal styles and want a midi dress that’s simple and elegant and easy to accessorize.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
  • The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Weak Treasury Demand Moved Rates More recently, in the wake of the administration’s chaotic trade policy rollout, Treasury security auctions did not go as expected, with weak demand pushing rates up higher than everyone expected.
    Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That’s why he’s been able to generate so much weak contact over the years.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Some models serve purely to create a soothing ambiance, acting as night lights for children, whereas others can be educational tools with accurate renderings of the night sky indoors.
    Tantse Walter, Space.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delicate

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