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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
This South Kensington landmark celebrates more than 5,000 years of human creativity with paintings, jewelry, furniture, textiles, sculpture and more, including exquisite special exhibitions. Susanne Fowler, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025 One spot to check out is Gas Bijoux, an atelier that creates exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
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 family dynamics of the show hadn’t been seen in any other franchise and made for some strong alliances against other members of the cast, as well as intense drama.
    Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In an intense Instagram post Thursday, her 44th, the mother of three included various family album style photos over the last few years, plus some words of wisdom.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Featuring a subtle kick flare at the hem and chic pintuck detailing, they’re designed to hit right under the calf, or just at the ankle for petite people like myself.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Adding parsnips and turnips to the recipe gives the dish a subtle earthy flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Extensive erosion of the dunes caused by huge swells along Wharton Beach in recent months probably dislodged it.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
  • These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His label pioneered the industry’s intensive training system, recruiting performers as young as elementary school age and putting them through years of rigorous preparation.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Though similarly intensive, Leni's look provided a stark contrast to mom Heidi’s costume, which leaned more spooky than cute — and took inspiration from an older tale.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • While still rare, most airplane incidents occur while the aircraft is taking off or landing.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • In a rare moment of impressive hosting, Vanessa Lachey pointed out that Edmond's traumatic childhood and upbringing might result in him only focusing on the positive memories and blocking out any negative memories as a coping mechanism.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Alastin’s Restorative Neck Complex is a lightweight cream made specifically for the delicate skin below the chin.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Practical considerations In a delicate political and cultural landscape, brands must walk a fine line in discussing the benefits of clean fashion without fueling panic and misinformation.
    Sophie Benson, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The event kicked off with an opening dance, before the debutantes lined up for a waltz with their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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