FINESSED Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

finessed

verb

past tense of finesse

as in negotiated

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in avoided

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 finessed 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 The immaculate lineup of laminated pastries, like a pandan cream croissant, is similarly finessed. —

Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026 Repossi finessed the rose gold used in its latest spiraling Blast high jewelry pieces, playing up its yellow gleam under a gradient of orange gemstones. —

Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026 The director also finessed Hollywood. —

Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025 Back in Miami, Winter finessed his preparation with former Duncan Ensemble dancer Ivette Sotomayor. —

Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025 Cruz finessed his way into not allowing a Red Sox runner to cross the plate, keeping the score tied. —

Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Man Ray is one of the few Dada-Surrealist cusp figures who finessed affiliations with both movements without alienating either one. —

Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025 In the other, a talented pitcher in a true breakout year overpowered some hitters and, against others, finessed his way out of pressure spots with men on base. —

Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for finessed

Verb

The police negotiated the release of two hostages on Tuesday.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
In fact, the city would be adopting a version of the reform agreement Louisville had previously negotiated with the Biden administration and hiring an outside monitor to oversee its progress.

— Topher Sanders, ProPublica, 2 June 2026