as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
had to finesse the schedule a bit to fit in another patient that afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
tried to finesse the blame for the foreign policy fiasco, even though he was secretary of state at the time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of finesse
Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
For example, an expensive sequin dress will have the finesse in finishings that an affordable wedding guest dress might not.
—Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2025
Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets lobbed it ahead to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who twisted around three Sporting defenders and finessed a shot past keeper John Pulskamp.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
Tom Cruise can hang off the sides of flying planes and motorcycle-jump off cliffs for Mission: Impossible, but the franchise’s parent companies can’t seem to merge with the same finesse.
—Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
For example, an expensive sequin dress will have the finesse in finishings that an affordable wedding guest dress might not.
—Adam Mansuroglu, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
But there has also been growing popular support for their own governments’ attempts to finesse, repel, or try to future-proof their countries against the dramatic shift in U.S. tone and policy.
—Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
Former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets lobbed it ahead to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who twisted around three Sporting defenders and finessed a shot past keeper John Pulskamp.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
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Compared to the Ratio Six, the Eight Series 2 offers the same 40-ounce batch size but some new programming and new technology—including the ability to optimize its brewing program for small batches of 20 ounces or less.—
Matthew Korfhage,
Wired News,
23 May 2025
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Urban mobility—the ability of people and goods to move around efficiently sits at the center of this challenge.—
Hemanth Volikatla,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Trump signed an executive order on Monday encouraging linking the cost of prescription drugs to what's paid in other nations where drug prices are negotiated by their government and tend to be much lower.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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In Tampa, the stadium’s naming rights partner, Raymond James, negotiated by the Bucs for the Bucs, is the longest-standing in the NFL.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The former prisoners who have continued to evade police for nearly a week include Leo Tate, Jermaine Donald, Derrick Groves, Lenton Vanburen and Antoine Massey, according to USA Today, while Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis have been re-arrested.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
22 May 2025
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Penguin Press, June 17 Image El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott After skipping town to evade a nagging creditor in 2008, Harper returns to her Detroit suburb months later to find her two older sisters, once in the throes of debt, sporting fresh highlights and driving a Lexus.—
Laura Thompson,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
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Listen to this article While Universal is known for crafting compelling movies that transport people to faraway worlds, the company has also developed its prowess in making those come to life through its captivating theme parks.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2025
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The company leaned into its background and prowess as a tech company.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
14 May 2025
Verb
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Life-changing events, including the loss of a spouse, early onset dementia or another medical issue, can trigger changes in the way someone would react to anyone who is experienced at manipulating people to part with their money.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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Morina and the other deli owner were unaware of Patten’s scheme to manipulate Hometown’s stock.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The key question is whether the data behind digital twins is sound enough to avoid the pitfalls that result in data decay over time (i.e., entropy).—
Mika Newton,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
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Make sure to maintain an upright torso and avoid leaning forward or backward.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
13 May 2025
Noun
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At the Democrat-Gazette, Dustin has cultivated strong connections within the local arts and entertainment community and finds joy in spotlighting the creative talents and inspiring stories of the region.—
Dustin Staggs,
Arkansas Online,
25 May 2025
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While the Clippers did get eliminated in the first round, adding a talent like LaMelo could change it all.—
Matt Levine,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Verb
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His ball maneuvered through the trees, landing in the rough to the right of the fairway.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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Length Longer kayaks are easier to steer in the water, but more tedious to maneuver on land.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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