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 Somewhere in there, Noel Coward shows up—he’s played, with suitable louche savoir faire, by Arty Froushan. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Sep. 2025 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 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
  • The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Into this pastoral scene of modern irrigation and baseball training sweeps Walter Matthau, driving a big, old, shambolic convertible, well past its prime but, like its driver, still possessing more than a bit of charm.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Lufthansa also commissioned a study conducted by Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, which found the combination of dryness and low pressure also reduces the sensitivity of taste buds for both sweet and salty by 30 percent.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 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
  • For Ella, Mason handled the task of being a fish out of water as a woman from 1905 suddenly having to fit into the culture of 2025, with flawless charm and grace.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
  • Wearing a period-style blue-and-white outfit while sipping tea, Ripa embodied grace and charm in this chic costume alongside Seacrest’s take on Ted Lasso.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For my British mum, Paddington was manners, tea, and marmalade sandwiches.
    Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Halsey might be welcoming fans back to the badlands, but that doesn’t mean people are allowed to have bad manners at their shows.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • With the Dolphins having a mini bye week courtesy of playing on Thursday, McDaniel’s status — along with perhaps Dolphins general manager Chris Grier — will be under a spotlight.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Elsewhere, the e-cargo is built around aluminum front and rear frame components, rolls on 20-inch wheels wearing Scwhalbe rubber, and comes to a halt courtesy of Tektro quad-piston hydraulic brakes rocking 180-mm discs.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 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 8 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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