exquisite 1 of 2

Definition of exquisitenext
1
2
3

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word exquisite different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of exquisite are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could choice be used to replace exquisite?

While the synonyms choice and exquisite are close in meaning, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When can dainty be used instead of exquisite?

Although the words dainty and exquisite have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

In what contexts can delicate take the place of exquisite?

The words delicate and exquisite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would elegant be a reasonable alternative to exquisite?

The synonyms elegant and exquisite are sometimes interchangeable, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is rare a more appropriate choice than exquisite?

While in some cases nearly identical to exquisite, 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 exquisite
Adjective
How inspiring for our young learners to see, in looking at Joe McKendry’s exquisite tableau, faces that reflect their own. The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026 Barbados The easternmost Caribbean island, Barbados boasts more than 80 white-sand beaches (plus the exquisite pink-sand Crane Beach). Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
The outfits range from the exquisite to the amusing to the absurd, tracing San Francisco fashion from after the 1906 earthquake to the new century. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 Balcer would put her stamp on the game in another way 25 minutes later, delivering an exquisite through ball that launched Lavelle on a dash up the middle of the Gotham defense toward the tying goal. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for exquisite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • The mild meats and cheeses should be consumed first, with diners gradually moving on to the most intense ones so as to not overpower the more delicate flavors.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
  • As Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance nears one month, the intense focus on her case is drawing overdue attention to other missing person cases that have long gone unnoticed.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • What waits behind the greenhouses and garden beds is a sprawling oasis of elegant indoor-outdoor dining with a secret garden appeal that feels worlds away from the chain restaurants nearby.
    Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Soprano Nicole Car’s initially elegant Elizabeth accumulates both physical and vocal intensity as the opera exposes more and more skulduggery around her.
    Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sleek lines, warm wood tones and moody, dark finishes create a space that feels contemporary and intimate, with subtle nods to the building’s artistic past in the art hanging on the walls curated from local Denver artists.
    Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Minimal, low-profile, and finished with a subtle platform sole, these Pumas are the sneakers that go from museum-hopping to dinner reservations without missing a beat.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Last year, the swimming portion was canceled because of large swells and the event made a quick pivot by offering a 5K run the night before.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • That caused a swell of anger there, including a petition to reject Long’s appointment signed by almost 5,500 people.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The warnings come as technology companies looking to cash in on the AI boom through aggressive investments in AI infrastructure are straining memory chip inventories, leaving manufacturers in other memory-intensive sectors, like smartphone and PC producers, scrambling to secure chip supplies.
    Matthew Chin, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2026
  • It can be burnt, much like a fossil fuel, but produces only water as a byproduct, offering a carbon-free solution for energy-intensive applications.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This year, with a bumper crop of the strange parrot’s favorite berries prompting a rare enthusiasm for mating, those working to save the birds hope for a record number of chicks in February, which would move the kakapo closer to defying what was not long ago believed to be certain extinction.
    Charlotte Graham-McLay, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Boca Raton downtown campus redevelopment project represents a rare opportunity to modernize aging public facilities, improve how downtown functions, and do so in a fiscally responsible manner.
    Troy McLellan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Knee-high socks in black or white complemented pointed pumps and derby shoes alike, with a playful floral pattern or delicate crochet design at the lower level.
    Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Or omit the bonus ingredients entirely and try these scones on their own in their lofty, delicate, and delicious glory.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The young women and their cavaliers headed to L’Arc, a nightclub in Paris situated near the Shangri-La; there, the group continued their celebrations some hours later.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025
  • Carolina Herrera's granddaughter Carolina Lansing Carolina Lansing, the 21-year-old granddaughter of legendary fashion designer Carolina Herrera, also made her debut with her younger brother, Magnus Lansing, as her cavalier.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on exquisite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster