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
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 finesse
Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Malpaso’s repertory combines works by local dancemakers with international commissions, all performed with great musicality and finesse (proof that Cuban dance training, despite many challenges, is still topnotch).
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
Assuming that forces an honor, finesse the six on the second.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
This understanding empowers leaders to navigate complex situations with finesse and insight.
—Paul Vanderbroeck, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Malpaso’s repertory combines works by local dancemakers with international commissions, all performed with great musicality and finesse (proof that Cuban dance training, despite many challenges, is still topnotch).
—Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
Assuming that forces an honor, finesse the six on the second.
—Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
Next, the team wants to use digital reconstruction methods to correct deformation on other parts of the skull, such as the braincase, to reveal insights about the brain size of Little Foot — and potentially unlock clues about the cognitive abilities of our early human ancestors.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Surviving and thriving for 150 years requires ongoing commitment, generosity, leadership and the unique ability to adapt repeatedly without drifting from or losing one’s core values.—
David Swanson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But general-education courses play a pivotal role in a department’s ability to recruit potential majors, pull in tuition revenue and negotiate hiring additional faculty.—
Garrett Shanley,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Leagues and players’ associations negotiate workplace rules, and those agreements are exempt from antitrust scrutiny.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Deputies tried to pull the driver over, but the driver instead chose to flee, and during the chase, the driver allegedly turned his headlights off to try and evade deputies, the sheriff's office said.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
About half of China’s oil imports must traverse the strait, and 90% of Iran’s oil supply ends up in China, often via third countries to evade sanctions.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Like a rebellious band member or an unruly lover, Takahiro Miyashita has a talent for breaking up and making up.—
Ashley Ogawa Clarke,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
-
According to a 2024 survey conducted across 200 companies, talent retention remains another major concern for manufacturers, contributing to labor scarcity.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Easter changes date every year, and the blooms on sale are carefully manipulated to bloom on time.—
Becky Wern,
Florida Times-Union,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The most fantastical parts of the movie retain some of their power because Sher and Gyllenhaal subtly manipulate aspect ratio changes and a vertical growth across the film.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Set up gentle boundaries during family talks to avoid old loops.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The best approach is simply to avoid the area until cleanup is actually possible.—
Katie Strasberg Rousso,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The characters in his orbit are quite strong in their own right, but here, as in The Office, Carell’s unflagging comedy prowess provides the energy that powers the narrative into full-on hilarity.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Tech crucial to China’s future Analysts believe technological prowess remains the far more important goal for Chinese leader Xi Jinping and his vision to build the nation into a major power that can contend with the United States on issues ranging from trade to Taiwan tensions.—
Ken Moritsugu,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The zipper is the soft cooler’s only downside, which is tough to maneuver.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
These systems travel at Mach 5 or faster and maneuver in flight.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
