Synonyms of exquisite

exquisite 1 of 2

adjective

ek-ˈskwi-zət 

1

as in intense

extreme in degree, power, or effect

felt such exquisite anger at being betrayed by a so-called friend that she could hardly think straight

Synonyms & Similar Words

• intense
• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• terrible
• deep
• profound
• furious
• heavy
• acute
• explosive
• vicious
• violent
• dreadful
• ghastly
• frightful
• excruciating
• fearsome
• fearful
• blistering
• vehement
• heavy-duty
• hard
• keen
• intensified
• almighty
• enhanced
• hellacious
• heightened
• harsh
• concentrated
• aggravated
• magnified
• severe
• exhaustive
• accentuated
• thorough
• deepened
• rigorous
• stressed
• emphasized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soft
• light
• moderate
• weak
• feeble
• superficial
• shallow
• qualified
• decreased
• eased
• toned (down)
• subdued
• moderated
• reduced
• diminished
• lightened
• lessened
• alleviated
• abated

2

as in elegant

having qualities that appeal to a refined taste

exquisite pen-and-ink drawings of city scenes grace the walls of the formal restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• elegant
• rare
• fine
• exceptional
• special
• select
• excellent
• delicate
• exclusive
• outstanding
• wonderful
• dainty
• choice
• superb
• premium
• classic
• great
• fabulous
• recherché
• fancy
• better
• marvelous
• terrific
• splendid
• high-grade
• superlative
• sensational
• first-class
• superior
• stellar
• jewellike
• elite
• sterling
• unsurpassed
• noble
• transcendent
• prime
• bijou
• first-rate
• top-notch
• par excellence
• top
• grand
• supernal
• tip-top
• ultrarare

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• coarse
• gross
• vulgar
• commercial
• tasteless
• kitschy
• rough
• popular
• unpolished
• unrefined
• ordinary
• uncultivated
• raffish
• uncultured
• common
• rough-hewn
• kitsch
• lowbrow
• lesser
• mediocre
• average
• unsatisfactory
• unacceptable
• inferior
• second-class
• second-rate
• substandard
• mass-produced
• deficient
• low-grade
• wanting
• run-of-the-mine
• run-of-the-mill

3

as in subtle

satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness

waiters at the wedding reception served exquisite hors d'oeuvres from silver trays

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subtle
• elegant
• delicate
• rare
• extraordinary
• refined
• dainty
• supreme
• nuanced
• superior
• fine
• airy
• incomparable
• prime
• transcendent
• superlative
• choice
• select
• peerless
• unsurpassed
• selected
• fragile
• preeminent
• frail
• picked

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strong
• robust
• sturdy
• coarse
• common
• ordinary
• crude
• rough
• average
• mediocre
• fair
• indifferent
• medium
• second-rate
• middling
• run-of-the-mill

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

as in swell

Related Words

• swell
• cavalier
• blade
• clotheshorse
• coxcomb
• fancy Dan
• dasher
• popinjay
• macaroni
• gallant
• beau
• pretty boy
• Beau Brummell
• fop
• dandy
• dude
• lounge lizard
• jay
• buck

Dissimilar Words

• slob
• sloven

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

Recent Examples of exquisite

Adjective

As parents determined to maintain a strong front, Astrit Kabashi and Flonja Kodheli give performances of exquisite understatement in a quietly wrenching story of dwindling hope and mounting tension. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 31 Jan. 2026

Admirers wishing to have a brand-new Alvis can commission an exquisite continuation—a few famous prewar and postwar models are available—from the current incarnation of Alvis Car Company Limited. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 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