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

False goat's beard (Astilbe) enhances garden spaces with elegant, fern-like foliage and plume-like flower panicles. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026

This elegant Victorian-Era resort in Elkhart Lake recaptures the days when guests wore starched collars and flowing skirts while rowing boats on Elkhart Lake. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

Rich nautical blues and dark wood Lexington furnishings make for an elegant and refined look. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

The writing is beautiful and elegant, in contrast with Olive herself who is stark, raw, unapologetic, angry, and, usually, absolutely right. —Literary Hub, 7 May 2026