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Synonym Chooser

How is the word delicate different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of delicate are choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would choice be a reasonable alternative to delicate?

The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

In what contexts can dainty take the place of delicate?

While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When can elegant be used instead of delicate?

Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is it sensible to use exquisite instead of delicate?

The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could rare be used to replace delicate?

The meanings of rare and delicate largely overlap; however, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

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 delicate Related Video Billie Eilish Invites ‘Vogue’ Backstage During Her ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ Tour The only question is, which tinted sunscreen is the best one to carry your delicate skin through the winter? Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025 But even though the tech has made strides, the replicating subtle, delicate, nuanced sensations of touch has remained just out of reach. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 16 Jan. 2025 They are known for their delicate appearance, long and thin white stems, and small, button-like caps. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 But this transition period is a delicate moment, when the country could be caught off guard if the situation suddenly changes, says Goodman, who recommends the Biden administration share its pandemic playbook so incoming officials can game out different pandemic scenarios and assess readiness. Will Stone, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for delicate 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
  • The quiet luxury aesthetic requires a bit more effort than its name suggests: This trend in decor—particularly with paint colors—is all about giving off subtle sophistication.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025
  • For those who don’t mesh with the plum tones of Black Honey can shop Clinique Pink Honey instead, which offers the same sheer wash of color in an even more subtle pink tone.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike phishing campaigns targeting the entire workforce, red team exercises often involve precise objectives or trophies, such as gaining access to a critical system or sensitive data.
    Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Young people are particularly sensitive to their surroundings as their brains evaluate the environment to prepare them for independence.
    Yalda T. Uhls, The Conversation, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Set and shot in Palestine, this film arrives at a pivotal moment, as the world holds its breath with a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, but a ramp up of violence in the West Bank.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025
  • The statement from the Arab foreign ministers touched on a range of topics relating to Gaza’s reconstruction, as the fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel allows the region to assess the impact of a brutal 15-month conflict.
    Rob Picheta, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Bass has employed a more careful and conciliatory tone.
    Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Leopold cautioned immigrants of any religious, national or ethnic background to be careful traveling.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 25 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An especially fun one is The Group, his soapy adaptation of the 1963 novel by Mary McCarthy, in which wedding guests lunch at the elegant old Brevoort Hotel before trailing the happy couple to the subway (and throwing rice down the stairs after them).
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Photos in front of the pulpit captured West’s her childhood and youthful beauty as well as the elegant matron who would come to be called Mother Rose by both her family and many students at her alma mater, Sacramento High School.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its economy and productivity are weak, debt is high and trade diversification is low, the analysts added, singling out the country’s already-declining softwood lumber industry as particularly at risk.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
  • When those cells outnumber the osteoblasts, though, there's an overall loss of bone tissue, resulting in weaker, more fragile bones.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • And finally, with the Bulls, Chicago would get a nice asset in Randle to help continue their rebuild.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • There are nice details throughout like a walk-in closet in the primary and built-in custom bookshelves in the living room.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Reports that Rihanna would be in attendance for her partner, A$AP Rocky’s, criminal trial have proven themselves accurate, as court reporter Meghann Cuniff has revealed that the singer is, indeed, in the courtroom gallery, seated beside family members.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025
  • While the eruption poses no danger to humans, an accurate prediction could put researchers closer to accurately being able to forecast volcanic eruptions, according to researchers.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near delicate

Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delicate

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