Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indelicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indelicate are improper, indecorous, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When might improper be a better fit than indelicate?

The meanings of improper and indelicate largely overlap; however, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When can indecorous be used instead of indelicate?

In some situations, the words indecorous and indelicate are roughly equivalent. However, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of indelicate?

While the synonyms unbecoming and indelicate are close in meaning, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When is it sensible to use unseemly instead of indelicate?

The words unseemly and indelicate can be used in similar contexts, but unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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 indelicate Advertisement The president-elect’s style — brash, indelicate and pugilistic — is distilled in his son. Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024 The pair also sparred on a more indelicate campaign trail moment. Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 Clutch effort is Herculean, and shifting—like the recoil of a big-bore automatic handgun—is indelicate but infinitely satisfying. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024 These nude illusions always look underwhelming, the shapes are indelicate, and the roots don’t blend with the geometric element. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for indelicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indelicate
Adjective
  • Originally a producer on the project, he was fired for cause after at least one incident of inappropriate behavior on Runner that included bullying and yelling at crew.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 May 2025
  • Screenshot inappropriate gun marketing content and circulate it.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Also check into the warranty and the return policy since improper care can void the warranty.
    Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
  • The restaurant was using improper procedures when using time as a public health control.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hegseth’s indiscreet texts also pose serious intelligence risks.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • If this text had been received by someone hostile to American interests—or someone merely indiscreet, and with access to social media—the Houthis would have had time to prepare for what was meant to be a surprise attack on their strongholds.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • On the dark side, Mercury in Sagittarius can be overly blunt and tactless in communication.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Rian Johnson’s intricate script thrived on detailed dissections of its rich and awful suspects, including plenty of pointed jabs at Hudson’s oblivious model and tactless brand ambassador — two titles Hudson herself has held.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • So maybe use the feelings aroused by your sister-in-law’s thoughtless, certainly injudicious, possibly naughty remark as an opportunity to rise above.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2024
  • What The Meng Episode Means (1): Is Huawei A Tool of The CCP? Meng’s release, and injudicious remarks, do not bode well for Huawei.
    George Calhoun, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2021
Adjective
  • Although Hill initially received two tickets for careless driving and not wearing a seat belt, they were dismissed after the officer who cited him didn’t show up to the Miami-Dade traffic hearing.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Of those fires, 90% were caused by careless human activity, the agency said.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • She was officially charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • However, in almost one-third of states, including California and New York, annually spending more than 7% of an endowment’s fair market value, measured by a three-year average, is presumed to be imprudent.
    Ellen P. Aprill, The Conversation, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Though magnesium hydroxide is a safe choice to treat temporary constipation symptoms, using too much of it is inadvisable.
    Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 8 May 2025
  • This inadvisable structure will cost city taxpayers an additional $2 billion over the next 30 years than otherwise would have been the case.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indelicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indelicate. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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