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an elegant hotel
a luxurious hotel
a stylish hotel
an exquisite hotel
an exclusive hotel
elegant clothes
fancy clothes
glamorous clothes
classy clothes
graceful clothes
exquisite clothes
elegant prose
eloquent prose
beautiful prose
lovely prose

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 In 2024, Evangelista made an elegant return to the Met Gala. Michelle Lee, People.com, 12 May 2025 The Verdict on Ina’s Grilled Halibut Ina Garten's Grilled Halibut with Tomato and Caper Sauce looks elegant but is actually so easy. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025 Halle Berry The Oscar winner looked elegant as ever while being named prom queen. Aja Hoggatt, EW.com, 11 May 2025 It is still made today, along with a dizzying assortment of other varieties, including elegant whites with the biscuity fizz of champagne. Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • Much of the aesthetic was defined by long-slung, horizontal homes that were intended to emulate the graceful expanse of the midwest Prairie.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
  • Certainly, the words graceful or athletic do not come to mind.
    Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The play’s cast is excellent, particularly the exquisite, charismatic and very funny Mahira Kakkar as Ananya.
    Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • The tea rose first became available for purchase in 2025, and it’s been hard for gardeners to get their hands on; this exquisite bloom remains in high demand.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The handsome and charismatic Lord Edward Fitzgerald, an Anglican son of a duke, renounced his title and commanded the society’s militia.
    Joseph Patrick Kelly, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
  • Ian had been handsome, popular, in love with a new girlfriend—the kind of golden boy upon whom fortune smiles.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 35-year-old singer-songwriter is a bona fide music superstar in her own right, and the two offered the tristate area a rare main event concert.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
  • Melania Trump to make rare appearance to unveil Barbara Bush stamp.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • But, with the team’s MLB-best 29-15 record affording them just a one-game division lead so far this year, it’s already become clear that fine margins could matter this season.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
  • Tropical Fruits: Sweet, Juicy and Always Ready to Party Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • This year, Find will host tours through the Cradle of Forestry on select dates from May 19 to June 7.
    Elliott Harrell, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • Vertical will release the film on June 20 in select theatrical markets and on demand.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elegant

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