exquisite

1 of 2

adjective

ex·​qui·​site ek-ˈskwi-zət  ik-ˈskwi-zət  ˈek-(ˌ)skwi- 

1

a

: marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution

an exquisite vase

b

: marked by the quality or power of finely distinguishing, by deep sensitivity, or by subtle understanding

exquisite taste

c

: accomplished, perfected

an exquisite gentleman

2

a

: pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection

an exquisite white blossom

b

: acute, intense

exquisite pain

c

: having uncommon or esoteric appeal

3

: carefully selected : choice

4

archaic : accurate

exquisitely adverb

exquisiteness noun

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

: one who is overly fastidious in dress or ornament

Synonyms of exquisite

Adjective

• intense
• intensive
• fierce
• ferocious
• terrible
• deep
• profound
• furious

Choose the Right Synonym for exquisite

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste.

choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

Examples of exquisite in a Sentence

Adjective

My dream was … to play smoky ballads of exquisite sweetness and sophistication with somebody like Michelle Pfeiffer leaning misty-eyed over my shoulder. Actually, since this was the middle of the fifties, my fantasy ideal was probably closer to Doris Day. —Daniel C. Dennett, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005

Also on view is one of Poussin's first classical landscape paintings; its exquisite geometry provides fresh insight into why Cézanne was one of this great painter's most passionate admirers. —Evelyn Toynton, Arts & Antiques, February 1996

a move executed with exquisite precision

Her singing voice is truly exquisite.

He chose his words with exquisite care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The use of color is exquisite, as Prager pairs buttery yellows, mint greens, vivid blues, and vibrant reds. —Katie Rife, IndieWire, 18 Mar. 2026

Best Nightlife The Port of Call and Dive Inspired by ports around the world, The Port of Call crafts exquisite cocktails in its nautical bar—and a trip to Mystic isn’t complete without trying 2024 James Beard Award best chef finalist Reneé Touponce’s beef empanadas. —Morgan Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2026

Noun

And Via Carota’s sister restaurant the Commerce Inn speaks the same simple-yet-exquisite vernacular, with a an American Shaker accent, and does take reservations. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Mar. 2026

Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets found Messi in between the lines with a nice pass on the play, and Messi proceeded to hit an exquisite through ball to a streaking Rodriguez for a 1-on-1 look that was tucked away. —Franco Panizo, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

Middle English exquisit, from Latin exquisitus, past participle of exquirere to search out, from ex- + quaerere to seek

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1819, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

exquisite

adjective

ex·​quis·​ite

ek-ˈskwiz-ət, 

ˈek(ˌ)skwiz-

1

: finely done or made

an exquisite lacy handkerchief

an exquisite painting

2

: showing fine discrimination, deep sensitivity, or clear understanding

exquisite taste

3

: pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection

exquisite flowers

4

: very severe : intense

exquisite pain

exquisitely adverb

exquisiteness noun

Medical Definition

exquisite

adjective

ex·​qui·​site ik-ˈskwiz-ət  ek- 

: acute sense 2a, intense

exquisite pain

exquisitely

-lē 

adverb