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
• regal
• refined
• rich
• sophisticated
• aristocratic
• noble
• gallant
• courtly
• stately
• fashionable
• exquisite
• grand
• quiet
• lavish
• ornate
• sleek
• polished
• heroic
• splendid
• classic
• monumental
• heroical
• imposing
• artful
• chic
• conservative
• restrained
• understated
• baronial
• genteel
• posh
• swanky
• smart
• patrician
• august
• swank
• grandiose
• ostentatious
• pretentious
• modish
• in
• sharp
• snappy
• a la mode
• affected
• recherché
• swagger
• à la mode

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inelegant
• unfashionable
• tasteless
• unhandsome
• dowdy
• graceless
• loud
• grotesque
• flamboyant
• flashy
• gaudy
• unstylish
• crude
• coarse
• tawdry
• glitzy
• tacky
• garish
• cheesy
• raffish
• splashy
• styleless
• vulgar
• unpolished
• uncouth
• trashy
• unrefined
• rude
• uncultivated
• rough-hewn
• uncultured
• ticky-tacky
• ticky-tack
• 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
• marvellous
• marvelous
• splendid
• terrific
• high-grade
• elite
• noble
• sensational
• first-class
• jewellike
• superior
• sterling
• superlative
• bijou
• first-rate
• stellar
• transcendent
• prime
• top
• par excellence
• grand
• unsurpassed
• top-notch
• tip-top
• supernal
• ultrarare

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• coarse
• vulgar
• popular
• gross
• kitschy
• unpolished
• commercial
• tasteless
• rough
• raffish
• unrefined
• ordinary
• uncultivated
• uncultured
• common
• 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
• run-of-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

The exterior, penned by Winch Design, is a study in muscular minimalism, with elegant curves and a reverse bow that advances the Dutch yard’s signature identity. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025

The entire stack is in matching furniture-grade walnut, providing a high performance and elegant audio system built around a record player, that takes up minimal floorspace. —Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Grace Karin Long-Sleeve Shirt Dress with Waist Ties This satin shirt dress with golden buttons, roll-up cuffs, and optional waist ties is an elegant option for the office and beyond. —Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025

The illustrations from 90 years ago feature various elegant gowns and outfits, including a floor-length floral pink dress, a chic purple tweed ensemble, and a glamorous strapless green-and-copper ball gown. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025