as in inappropriate
showing poor judgment especially in personal relationships or social situations
the company considered his indelicate handling of such a personal matter to be unprofessional
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in rudeness
the quality or state of lacking refinement or good taste
the well-known indelicateness of the comedian's humor made him a poor choice for master of ceremonies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in unfitness
the quality or state of not being socially proper
the indelicateness of the topic makes it a poor choice for dinner conversation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of indelicate
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
Adjective
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
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That’s as the league continues its investigation of longtime Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who was accused of inappropriate behavior by 16 massage therapists as part of an investigation by The Baltimore Banner.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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Herro was asked this as well: Is the type of the comment that Garland made inappropriate for a player to say about another player?—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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According to a study conducted by management professor Christine Pearson at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, 45% of the 800 respondents surveyed contemplated changing jobs due to incidents of rudeness.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Apr. 2025
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At that point, refusing to move a bag can cross the line into rudeness.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Courts and Compliance In terms of the legal battles over Trump's moves, people widely rejected the administration's accusations of improper judicial interference.—
Gary Langer,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2025
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Graham was arrested shortly before 4:45 p.m. and charged with engaging police in pursuit, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of a marker plate, operation without minimum insurance, unsafe passing and operating a motor vehicle without a license.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hegseth’s indiscreet texts also pose serious intelligence risks.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2025
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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
Noun
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April 21, 2025 Regardless of one’s position on the war in Ukraine, the president has shown a stunning disrespect for a world leader, an unprecedented bow to Russia’s leader, and a complete disregard for diplomacy.—
Paul Bedard,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2025
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The vice president accused Ukraine's leader of showing disrespect to the president and of insufficient gratitude to the U.S. for its help.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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On the dark side, Mercury in Sagittarius can be overly blunt and tactless in communication.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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Sauter pleaded no contest to several charges, including vehicular homicide and careless operation of a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license resulting in death.—
Frank Fernandez,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
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McIlroy wasted a superb opening round with two careless double bogeys leaving him seven shots behind.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indelicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indelicate. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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