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 Shenkman said the City Council’s decisions apparently rested on whether keeping communities in tact was more important than the potential effects of packing that community into a single vote. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 May 2025 For many union members across the country, his anti-immigrant tact has been troubling. Gary Labarbera, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 Great leaders say the quiet thing out loud, but with tact. Damon Stafford, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Honesty builds trust when delivered with tact and love. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact
Noun
  • For Washington, this undermines months of diplomacy and weakens efforts to contain nuclear risks.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • While mineral agreements have become a key tool of American diplomacy in the modern era, unclear and inconsistently enforced legislation has limited their effectiveness.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 27 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
  • Thanks to an extended frequency range, high sensitivity drivers and good temperature tolerance, these IEMs have a sound signature that’s closer to the type of sound produced by expensive electrostatic and planar-magnetic models.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, said Trump believes the immediate threat from Iran has been neutralized and that Netanyahu understood the U.S. position.
    Amanda Castro Hannah Parry Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • The convergence of reason and gallantry, of irony and affection, struck a teasing tone.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • This suggests that its disruptive effects only work on certain types of cells, which will be an important consideration when developing medications.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
  • Based on public feedback and the survey that closed June 17, Baird-Spencer said, the top three alternatives are expected to be presented to the City Council for consideration.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tact. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tact

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