finesse 1 of 2

noun

fə-ˈnes How to pronounce finesse (audio)
Definition of finessenext
as in ability
mental skill or quickness maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

finesse

2 of 2

verb

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

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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

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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
Noun
The Rays have Nick Martinez, more of a finesse pitcher, while the Brewers have Jacob Misiorowski, a power pitcher who will try to overpower hitters. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Stephenson’s storytelling finesse – clever reveals, discursive side quests, stealthy plot twists – shines in this robust tale of British journalist Owen and his globe-spanning search for a missing English earl in 1934. — Monitor Reviewers, Christian Science Monitor, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
A number of conversations are nearly verbatim to what the transcripts show, though Gunn admits to finessing certain moments for cinematic purposes. — Barry Levitt, Time, 14 Aug. 2026 The two scenes that were finessed the most, where McKenna’s interpretation of Nicky was most crucial, were his first meeting with Ralph (Winston Sawyers) and his Episode 1 confrontation with Jack (Lox Pratt). — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
  1. ability
  2. negotiate
  3. evade
  4. talent
  5. manipulate
  6. avoid
  7. prowess
  8. maneuver
Noun
  • Among those skills is the ability to ask meaningful questions.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Their deployment will help military personnel maintain improved awareness of unmanned aircraft activity and strengthen the ability to identify potential threats to personnel, military installations and other critical assets.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of ability
Verb
  • This arrangement combines a larger front wheel for negotiating uneven surfaces with smaller overall proportions suited to tighter riding environments.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026
  • According to various reports, Joe went out and negotiated a new contract without telling Troy.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of negotiate
Verb
  • Several charges are pending against the suspect, including assault on a peace officer and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The franchise began in 1997 as a relatively simple, top-down game that allowed players to roam fictional cities, steal vehicles, evade police and commit crimes.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
Definition of evade
Noun
  • Other Caller alumni suggested to Semafor that the recent pivot could threaten what in the last decade has become an important talent pipeline and incubator for the right.
    — Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The annual tribute dinner format will change, too, with host Guy Fieri celebrating two decades of Food Network talent that have shaped the festival.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of talent
Verb
  • Rather than relying on separate mechanisms for navigating terrain and manipulating objects, the robots can use their flexible bodies and gripping claws to perform both functions.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • These included being able to carry out cyberattacks at huge scale, manipulating politics, controlling robotics and drones, design of even smarter AI that outpaces human understanding, and even novel weapons development.
    — Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Rather than giving direct answers, the company said, AI Mode will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the problem to avoid short-circuiting learning.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The state can also avoid large increases in uncompensated care that hospitals may not be able to absorb as Medicaid supplemental payments to hospitals have also been cut.
    — Stan Soloway, Boston Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of avoid
Noun
  • Additionally, much of China’s industrial policy aims to build self-reliance, which, by definition, focuses on duplicative investments that buttress domestic industrial prowess without necessarily adding efficiency.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Demonstrating a big margin of victory, fundraising prowess and the electoral strength to help other Democrats win sends a strong signal to donors and party activists, analysts say.
    — Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of prowess
Verb
  • Prompted by the combat emergence of maneuvering threats like Russia’s Kinzhal and Zircon missiles, European military planners realized traditional air defenses were falling behind.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
  • With the Democratic majority in the 435-member House growing well past the 218 needed and the Senate Democrats holding at least 54 of 100 seats in that chamber, Jeffries and Schumer will have room to maneuver.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of maneuver

Browse Nearby Words

finespun
finesse
finessed
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Cite this Entry

“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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