tact

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tact different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tact are address, poise, and savoir faire. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

When could address be used to replace tact?

The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Where would poise be a reasonable alternative to tact?

In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When might savoir faire be a better fit than tact?

The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

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 tact October encourages you to balance your newfound sense of honesty with tact. Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025 The sun is currently transiting diplomatic Libra, a sign of balance, beauty and tact. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 Aravind Kamireddy is such a thought leader who unifies technical insight and diplomatic tact to achieve transformational outputs. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 Keep an eye on Glassdoor and respond to negative reviews carefully with tact and grace. Heather Kelly, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact
Noun
  • In 1962, the Soviet Union began the secret deployment of nuclear missiles to Cuba under the cover of reassuring diplomacy.
    Big Think, Big Think, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Trump, however, rejected the offers and cut off diplomacy with the South American nation.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Keeping devices in your bag during the meal is about more than just manners.
    Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
  • There are so many different manners in which our teachers, staff, parents and community partners communicate.
    Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Millions of Americans experience food sensitivities or allergies every year.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Naturally gluten free, quinoa is perfect for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 18 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
  • Notwithstanding this criticism, though, there is still a growing view within Delhi that foreign policy should be pragmatic and driven by interests rather than ethical considerations.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Good manners involves consideration for others, which sometimes means not spending too much time thinking about their behavior.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tact. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tact

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