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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

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
The small, exquisite deprivation. David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 Holland plays these emotional crosscurrents with exquisite restraint, letting hesitation, guilt, and longing flicker across his face before a single word lands. Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 30 Dec. 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
  • Gas and dust fall into a rotating disk around the black hole, and as the debris spirals more rapidly, it becomes superheated, releasing intense radiation.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • True Ipomea batatas has bright orange flesh (although modern varieties have much more intense colors than older forms), occasionally white and rarely purple.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Produced from 1996 to 2005, the Neptune is an elegant take on the classic sports watch featuring a slim case and an integrated bracelet with fish scale-like links in honor of the god of the sea.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Paris Hilton looks elegant in a black gown with her signature sparkly touch at the Waldorf Astoria's grand reopening in New York City.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There are more subtle links between the franchises as well, like the casting of Cameron Brown as the Drone Synth in the film.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Lucky Step Platform Sneakers These brown suede platform sneakers give a subtle lift while staying super comfortable thanks to memory foam insoles and arch support.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Even as the contestants arrive to begin the season, an important rowing portion of today's marooning challenge remains up in the air due to tumultuous swells.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Per Sē contrasts the delightfully retro, lipstick-y aroma of orris butter with a fresh, fizzing swell of aldehydes, pink pepper, and bamboo.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Between 2022 and 2023, a team from Arkeologerna conducted an intensive investigation in the southernmost area of the former city.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The orbiters are expected to linger in a holding pattern before heading for Mars next year when the red planet is better aligned for a less fuel-intensive journey.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • These Hokas are the rare travel shoe that works across all ages, activity levels, and destinations.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The study offers rare, direct evidence of this process by tracking cool gas across entire galaxies, something that was not possible before large surveys like MaNGA.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This delicate balance allows massive galaxies to stay dormant for billions of years, even when star-forming material is present.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Ballerina styles, those with lace-up construction, are emerging as a standout, adding a delicate, fashion-forward touch while remaining practical.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 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 10 Jan. 2026.

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