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Definition of exquisitenext
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exquisite

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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

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
As Sophie Baek, the Cinderella-style housemaid of illegitimate birth who charms the latest eligible Bridgerton bachelor, Ha is exquisite. Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 An exquisite player herself, Hong mostly let her talented students take the spotlight for the warm-up show. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 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 tempo of the strikes on Iran was so intense that state television announced that public mourning for Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the start of the conflict, would be postponed.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Noem received a warm welcome from Republicans and intense criticism from Democrats.
    March 4, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The classic circular design showcases preserved purple blooms with natural texture and a rustic yet elegant aesthetic that complements everything from French country to farmhouse decor.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The tiny shimmering beads are quintessentially bridal; elegant, but not overdone.
    Alexandra Ditch, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The subtle split among Democrats began emerging minutes after the first US strikes on Saturday.
    Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Mar. 2026
  • This Madewell pair is made from high-quality denim with a subtle stretch to hug your curves and ensure all-day comfort.
    Jordan Julian, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To accommodate this swell of invitees, sponsors, and staff (as well as the parade of black cars from a start-up called Uber), the Vanity Fair Oscar Party needed a larger home.
    Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Outside those emotional swells, the family was relieved to be together, and free of the dread that had hung over them in New York.
    Caitlin Dickerson, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s bad news for Europe’s most energy-intensive industries, namely autos, chemicals and industrials, Klement said.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Energy-intensive industries—steel, aluminum, fertilizers, chemicals—would be among the first to feel the squeeze, as their production costs surge alongside fuel prices.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Budget deficit of 4% Such a target would also match last year's, which had marked a rare expansion of government spending relative to GDP.
    Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Some in the city see a rare local official who will stand up to Immigration and Customs Enforcement; others see someone out of his lane, needlessly feuding with the federal government; some see hubris; others see confidence.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • These delicate items can’t be tossed in the washing machine, which leaves many people unsure how to clean them.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2026
  • On her feet were a pair of the strappy peep-toe heels with a delicate ankle strap.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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