Definition of elegantnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

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

In some situations, the words choice and elegant are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

Where would dainty be a reasonable alternative to elegant?

Although the words dainty and elegant have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is delicate a more appropriate choice than elegant?

The meanings of delicate and elegant largely overlap; however, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would exquisite be a good substitute for elegant?

While in some cases nearly identical to elegant, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When might rare be a better fit than elegant?

While the synonyms rare and elegant are close in meaning, 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 elegant Hotel options offer something for the whole family The elegant Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers a best-of-both-worlds kind of stay. Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Lawrence may not be the first actress to come to mind when thinking of ballet films, but the elegant dance form wasn't as foreign to Natalie Portman — the Black Swan star studied ballet from ages 4 to 12 years old, according to NPR. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Unlike its Robinson Crusoesque sibling in the south, Kanuhura offers a more modern and elegant island-life aesthetic. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026 That led her to break off their engagement in a devastatingly elegant manner. Moises Mendez Ii, InStyle, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • Their beauty also shapes traditional dance in Rwanda, with graceful movements performed by women who extend their arms to mimic the cows’ horns.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 June 2026
  • The graceful trailing stems and showy flowers of climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) look beautiful growing on pergolas and fences.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • One of the victors is this exquisite 1937 Delage D8-120 S Aerodynamic Coupe, with flowing bodywork by Parisian coachbuilder Marcel Pourtout.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 3 July 2026
  • Explore Nový Bor, Czech Republic, a hub for exquisite Bohemian glass, and Tönning, Germany, showcasing contemporary wool craftsmanship.
    Lea Lane, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The new depot opened in 1912 and served for many years, although the handsome tiled building was razed decades ago.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 July 2026
  • As Washington, William Franklyn-Miller is tall, lean and model-handsome in a way that feels out of period.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ireland Ireland offers a rare cross-generational appeal, where estate activities and rugged landscapes make for an ideal family itinerary.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Thieves stole $25,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards after breaking into an Eagan, Minnesota, claw machine arcade last weekend, employees said.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Public health data has taught us that alcohol, which can be fine when consumed in moderation, can be harmful to individual and societal health in excessive amounts.
    Adam Hoffer, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Good Chop is dedicated to providing the finest cuts of meat while promoting sustainable practices.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • For a more exclusive access, sign up for the chef’s experience, which includes visits to the Sonoma Farmers Market, Vella Cheese Company, and The Farmer’s Patch to hand-select ingredients for your dinner.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • But history happens to all of us, not just a select few.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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