ELEGANT Synonyms: 160 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

elegant

adjective

ˈe-li-gənt

Definition of elegant

as in graceful

having or showing elegance the most elegant First Lady in the nation's history the bride's elegant gown received nothing but praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in exquisite

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste prepared an elegant dinner for the honored guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 For those looking for an elegant option that can actually work for the office, your safest bet is to combine long white Bermuda shorts with an oversized button-down shirt. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 7 July 2026 Featuring a crust made with fresh thyme, this tomato tart blends herbs, butter, tomato and goat cheese for a delicious, elegant savory treat. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 Set in the Musée Nissim de Camondo in Paris, the collection was elegant and modern, featuring distressed garments and ‘out there’ pieces, including a pair of gold trousers. — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Between cleverly convertible shoulder bags and elegant clutches, there’s a pick for every outfit and occasion this summer. — Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for elegant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant

Adjective

In graceful, gimlet-eyed prose, Edwidge Danticat stares down preconceptions of family and belonging, lending her novel propulsion and promise.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
The suite comprised a graceful foyer, a large, curved living and dining area, walk-in wardrobe and changing room, and a separate bedroom and bathroom.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

France came into the game having scored fourteen goals across the tournament, several of them exquisite demonstrations of the team’s style and vitality.

— Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
From the central open-air firepit of the Great Porch, to the playful tile spewed throughout various common spaces and the 65 cabins and cottages, the design of Wildflower is exquisite.

— Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Definition of exquisite

Adjective

Stitched brown leather makes for a handsome addition to any home bar cart, especially when they’re housed in a Georg Jensen stainless steel case.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
His Hammness does show up, tongue planted firmly in his photogenic cheek, and reminds you that nobody does handsome-guy self-mockery better than Jon Hamm.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

It’s frequented by rare and endangered animals such as melonhead whales, Hawaiian monk seals, and hawksbill and green sea turtles.

— Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Some also face rarer conditions that affect not only nighttime sleep but also the ability to stay awake and alert during the day.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of rare

Adjective

The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.

— Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

California has not executed a prisoner since 2006, but the death penalty remained legal and prosecutors continued to pursue it in select cases.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
The yacht will be used privately, for select charters, and to facilitate further scientific research at sea.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

Definition of select

Browse Nearby Words

elegancy

elegant

elegantly

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“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of elegant

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