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
The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
While that gizmo promised that just two sharp cracks from a pair of human hands could turn any electronic device on or off, sonogenetics requires significantly more finesse.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
Few manage to design and book high-end active trips with more finesse than the Canadian, herself an avid sportswoman.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
While that gizmo promised that just two sharp cracks from a pair of human hands could turn any electronic device on or off, sonogenetics requires significantly more finesse.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Trump has a rare and underestimated talent for finessing these internal fissures.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
Your ability to adapt keeps the energy alive.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
Those abilities would make Astier a key contributor in DeMarco’s offense, which is designed to be more structured and feature plenty of floor spacing — areas the team struggled with last season under Sandy Brondello.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Despite attempts to negotiate the Strait of Hormuz’s reopening during an ongoing ceasefire, the narrow waterway remains shut to virtually all ship traffic.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Olthof Homes successfully challenged a $100,000 penalty levied by the town in the Indiana Court of Appeals, so a lower fine was negotiated between the two parties.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kelsy dispossessed San Diego in its defensive third, cut back to evade a defender at the edge of the penalty area, and skipped a shot inside the near post to give the Timbers (3-5-1) a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Garcia sprinted off exiting through a side entrance and evaded authorities until cops nabbed him on March 25, 2026.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many of DeCosta’s peers revere his talent-evaluation skills, roster-building approach and intensity.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, college and professional athletes have also been caught trying to manipulate prediction markets as online sports betting has exploded.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
-
For decades, people have used tools such as Photoshop to manipulate digital imagery.—
Lila Shroff,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Wrobleski is scheduled to start Sunday, as the Dodgers try to avoid a three-game sweep.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2026
-
Instead, remove selective branches from the center of the plant to ensure good airflow and avoid mildew.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
For King Charles, the trip will be a test of his diplomatic prowess.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There were no lies told about this team’s postseason prowess.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The drone can be seen intercepting a low-flying Ka-52, maneuvering towards its port weapon pylon before the footage dramatically cuts.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
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Nail artists don’t use actual watercolors, of course, but the technique required to create this look is not far from how a painter maneuvers their brush on a canvas.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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