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 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 The latest in Van Cleef & Arpels’s historic line of precious decorative objects, this one-of-a-kind piece is at once a feat of artisanal savoir faire and a flourish of figurative artistry. Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024 The personalized presentation of the liquid, and the experiences surrounding it, are an apt celebration of Martell’s 309 years and counting of tradition, heritage, and savoir faire. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 When the world’s top luxury brands pour their savoir faire into Advent calendars, the results are—predictably—the height of luxury. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for savoir faire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savoir faire
Noun
  • Men’s Pre-Collection Louis Vuitton unveils its Spring/Summer 2026 Men’s Pre-Collection, inspired by the charm of the English countryside.
    Essence, Essence, 6 June 2025
  • Karen Read's lucky charm may be a plow driver who saw nothing during multiple passes by the address where she is accused of leaving her boyfriend, Boston Police Officer John O'Keefe, to die on the ground in a blizzard in January 2022.
    Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • The department will not be releasing additional details about the case because of its sensitivity and the victim’s age, according to the release.
    Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 14 June 2025
  • Organizations must embrace: • Responsiveness over rigidity • Continuous learning over static optimization • Signal sensitivity over status reporting This isn’t hypothetical.
    Gowtham Chilakapati, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Written with filmmaker Matt Yoka, Possession marries the Band’s Americana with T. Rex’s fuzzy glam, anchored by Segall’s always-stellar guitar gallantry.
    Dan Reilly, Vulture, 20 May 2025
  • His offense: saving the damned with the melancholic gallantry of a real angel of history.
    Harmony Holiday, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Hernandez was the exception, turning in performances that embodied the athletic grace and emotional nuance of a true champion.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 1 June 2025
  • Then, on June 6, Venus will enter Taurus and your curious communication sector, dazzling your exchanges with poise, grace and irresistible charm.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.
    Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Minding your manners will make the trip better for everyone.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This obsession recently led me to the most fabulous adventure in the South of France, courtesy of Matiere Premiere.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 2 June 2025
  • That is the likely expectation on Wall Street courtesy of higher production from OPEC+ as well as non-OPEC producers like the U.S., Brazil, Canada and Guyana.
    Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 2 June 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 17 Jun. 2025.

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