as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of finesse
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Insiders say Lee is still finessing some creative elements to the shoot and since the production is shooting in northern California, sources say the shoot dates are pushing to next spring.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
But there is one exception, a scene whose dramatic importance is reflected in a startling inventiveness of composition, and whose stylistic finesse provides a clue about where Aster’s emotional investment lies.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
The company has also declared war tedious Photoshop tasks like cleaning up edges, adjusting lighting and finessing the countless tiny details that go to make up an image that looks completely believable.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
Insiders say Lee is still finessing some creative elements to the shoot and since the production is shooting in northern California, sources say the shoot dates are pushing to next spring.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
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So too does the front office, which traded away multiple draft assets, including the ability to draft All-Star Sonia Citron, to acquire former Olympian Ariel Atkins in the 2025 offseason.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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That includes better interest rates and the ability to borrow more money.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Many of the examples are stark, like the Potawatomi Nation which had negotiated with the federal government in hopes of staying in their homelands in the upper Midwest.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Neighbors Settling down in the suburbs with their newborn, Kelly (Rose Byrne) and Mac (Seth Rogen) attempt to negotiate a quiet-hours pact with the frat house next door.—
James Mercadante,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The discovery adds a new dimension to understanding cancer and therapy resistance, where cells often evade treatment by shifting states.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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But Moscow has found ways to evade these.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Tens of thousands of spectators in Beijing looked on as the People’s Republic unveiled laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles, and giant underwater drones alongside armored vehicles, tanks, and parading soldiers whose marching prowess put the rest of the world to shame.—
Kerry Brown,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
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Lockhart is known for its barbecue prowess and plays host to a number of joints, including Barbs B Q, which is in the Michelin Guide Texas and is on Texas Monthly’s list of the best barbecue in the state.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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When writers see and manipulate structure, words become poetry.—
Rebecca Coffey,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Cyrus was quick to defend herself, implying her words had been manipulated by the Times.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Leeds are tipped to survive the drop after adding Premier League experience and European talent to their ranks.—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
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Bhutia is part of India's digital growth story that is creating entrepreneurs, drawing investments, and attracting global tech giants, fueled in large part by a gigantic talent pool and tech userbase.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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For Kim Liddell, an ideal network can provide accountability, fellowship, and the inspiration needed to maneuver the uncertainties of the practice.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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This lightweight cordless vacuum weighs under nine pounds, so even little helpers can maneuver it.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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