Synonyms of elegant

elegant

adjective

ˈe-li-gənt 

1

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

• graceful
• handsome
• fine
• luxurious
• majestic
• magnificent
• classy
• stylish
• simple
• tasteful
• glorious
• proud
• royal
• superb
• refined
• regal
• rich
• sophisticated
• aristocratic
• noble
• gallant
• courtly
• stately
• fashionable
• exquisite
• grand
• quiet
• lavish
• ornate
• sleek
• polished
• heroic
• splendid
• classic
• monumental
• imposing
• artful
• chic
• conservative
• restrained
• understated
• baronial
• genteel
• posh
• smart
• patrician
• august
• swank
• grandiose
• ostentatious
• pretentious
• modish
• in
• sharp
• snappy
• affected
• recherché
• swagger
• à la mode

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelegant
• unfashionable
• tasteless
• dowdy
• graceless
• loud
• grotesque
• flamboyant
• flashy
• crude
• gaudy
• coarse
• tawdry
• glitzy
• tacky
• garish
• unhandsome
• cheesy
• raffish
• splashy
• unstylish
• styleless
• vulgar
• unpolished
• uncouth
• trashy
• rude
• unrefined
• uncultivated
• uncultured
• ticky-tacky
• rough-hewn
• rough-edged

2

as in exquisite

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste

prepared an elegant dinner for the honored guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

• exquisite
• rare
• fine
• select
• special
• exceptional
• delicate
• excellent
• dainty
• exclusive
• wonderful
• choice
• outstanding
• classic
• premium
• recherché
• fancy
• great
• fabulous
• superb
• better
• marvelous
• splendid
• terrific
• high-grade
• elite
• noble
• sensational
• first-class
• jewellike
• superior
• sterling
• superlative
• bijou
• stellar
• transcendent
• prime
• top
• par excellence
• grand
• unsurpassed
• first-rate
• top-notch
• tip-top
• supernal
• ultrarare

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• coarse
• vulgar
• popular
• gross
• kitschy
• commercial
• unpolished
• tasteless
• rough
• raffish
• unrefined
• ordinary
• uncultivated
• common
• uncultured
• rough-hewn
• lowbrow
• kitsch
• average
• lesser
• mediocre
• second-class
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• inferior
• mass-produced
• deficient
• second-rate
• substandard
• wanting
• low-grade
• run-of-the-mill
• run-of-the-mine

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

Recent Examples of elegant

Think elegant chocolate tarts, creamy chia puddings, roasty cashew ice cream, and tahini-marbled brownies—proof that skipping dairy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Feb. 2026

Blanch Blanching is one of the simplest and most elegant ways to prepare vegetables. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026

His costumes alone are a wonder, a series of bell-bottom jumpsuits, many of them accented with elegant high, Revolutionary War-era collars and cinched with macramé belts, their fringe swinging in time with his hips. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 20 Feb. 2026

Tazewell’s looks are a nod to Audrey Hepburn’s glamorous and elegant clothes. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 20 Feb. 2026