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

After taking in an exhibit of work by Argentine artist David Lamelas at the industrial space, some 400 guests made their way over to a cocktail reception and elegant candlelit dinner in support of Dia Art Foundation. — Freya Drohan, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026

Today’s top glosses are more elegant in texture, infused with nourishing ingredients, and don’t leave your lips feeling sticky and gooey like those of your childhood—but still give you the same beloved reflective shine and volume. — Tasha Nicole Smith, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026

Founded in Singapore in 1887, Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences is a collection of landmark properties known for elegant design, service and cultural experiences. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

For an easy styling trick, tie a silk scarf around your handbag or wrap it around your neck to give your outfit an elegant update. — Vivien Lee, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026