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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 The elegant, sculptural jar is refillable and quickly dispenses a dose with a small press, making for a truly sensorial pre-bed ritual. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025 Karlie Kloss modeled the elegant D’Orsay pump silhouette while out in New York City on Thursday, styling the shoes with an all-black ensemble. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 Henrietta’s matchbooks — a navy and red affair — are unmistakably elegant. Charlotte Observer, 17 Oct. 2025 By now, the Jolly Rancher had vanished, as had a round of the house’s elegant dirty Martini, whose shortcomings in grit were made up for in potency. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • Butler leads with steady confidence, and Williams follows with a dainty, graceful flow that draws every eye in the room.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In Hubble's recent image, NGC 6951 unfurls its graceful spiral arms, covered in red nebulae glowing with hydrogen gas, a key fuel for new stars.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The late, great Steve McQueen’s exquisite 1926 Excelsior Super X will go under the gavel at a bumper automotive auction this fall.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The touchpad is still big and smooth, and the haptic feedback still feels exquisite.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Fifty-one years old, full head of hair, strikingly handsome, with three young kids (Tyler, Skyler, and Zoe) and wife (Donna, attorney).
    Iris Bahr, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Your fantasies are startling yet most opportune; your French landscape as much there as the handsome red cover itself.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Most sharks, of course, slice and dice tuna and other fishes, and occasionally the rare human.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Tate had a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a genetic neurological disorder that affects the nerves that control the muscles.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Elite-level play from the man who retained his crown as the finest running back in the land Sunday.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Devotees dress up in their finest outfits, make offerings to Lakshmi, light fireworks and sparklers, and enjoy a sweet feast.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For a cohesive design, select paint colors that harmonize with the existing undertones.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Local 10 will also carry select simulcasts of FanDuel Sports Network broadcasts for 12 regular-season games of the Heat G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on elegant

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