savoir faire

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savoir faire different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of savoir faire are address, poise, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

When would address be a good substitute for savoir faire?

While the synonyms address and savoir faire are close in meaning, address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When is it sensible to use poise instead of savoir faire?

The words poise and savoir faire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When can tact be used instead of savoir faire?

Although the words tact and savoir faire have much in common, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

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 savoir faire One senses Worth delighted in the extravagance proposed to clients and savoir faire made possible by his petites mains (still a term used in haute couture). Amy Verner, Vogue, 7 May 2025 Powered by the brand’s Calibre 2460 automatic movement with 40 hours of power reserve, these stunning pieces are top-shelf collector’s items that bring together the very best aspects of Vacheron Constantin’s savoir faire. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025 Carefully removing and preserving wall panels from estates and palaces and replicating them with masterful French savoir faire is what has driven the Féau Boiseries’ popularity in the upper echelons of society for the past 150 years. Sofia Celeste, WWD, 30 Jan. 2025 While the way the land has been cultivated has remained relatively unchanged for centuries, the building itself was updated to reflect the savoir faire of the brand. Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for savoir faire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savoir faire
Noun
  • There’s an atemporal quality to the film’s stylized alternate reality, which blends an old-world charm with signs of a technocratic dystopia, all contained to a few blocks in an imaginary town.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025
  • The actor, who plays the dashing Prince Fiyero in Wicked, has commanded the stage, small screen, and now Hollywood blockbusters—all while maintaining the same approachable charm that first drew audiences to him in the early days of his 30-year career.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The document aims to provide clarity and accuracy in reporting, addressing contemporary issues and nuanced terminology with precision and sensitivity.
    Nashville Tennessean, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The Franco-Canadian and former senior executive at Natixis Asset Management will also need to be mindful of the far right’s budget sensitivities given their readiness to try collapsing the government once more.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a quixotic gallantry to appealing to a saner conservative and looking ahead to a post-Trump American politics.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Queen Elizabeth later awarded Beaton the George's Cross, Britain’s highest civilian award for gallantry, for his role in saving her daughter’s life, and bestowed honors on Callender, as well as the other policemen and onlookers who intervened.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This is your green light to share, teach, write, or create with levity — all the intensity has prepared you to communicate with both fire and grace.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Here are five faults to avoid to keep your pet in everyone’s good graces.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • According to Ashton, his mother raised him to have good manners, be respectful and love God above all else.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
  • For me, Mandarin carries the rituals and manners of growing up in Taiwan, while English feels tied to the independence of moving to London at 18 without my family.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Even more detailed views came courtesy of astrophotographer Dan Bartlett, who imaged the comet over multiple nights to reveal how the complex structure of its ever-shifting tail evolved over time from his backyard in June Lake, California, over recent weeks.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • One was courtesy of shortstop Trevor Story, and the other was via first baseman Nathaniel Lowe.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Savoir faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savoir%20faire. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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