1
as in nice
hard to please
you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in delicious
very pleasing to the sense of taste
the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dainty
Seyward Darby, Longreads, 24 Jan. 2024
From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style.
—Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024
Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023
The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
But even when presented with this, the most modest and daintiest wedge of rind-on watermelon, my mother will slice the flesh away with a knife and fork and cut it up before eating it.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 24 Jan. 2024
From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style.
—Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024
Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023
The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
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From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.—
Lawrence Burney,
Pitchfork,
28 May 2025
-
Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Along the historic waterway system which dates from the 12th century, there are a series of patrician residences, pleasure villas, and elegant rural farmhouses that still stand, along with what remains of their parks and gardens, side-by-side with more recent houses.—
Elena Dallorso,
Architectural Digest,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The Cannes Film Festival is also where these categories flourish in visibility, especially the high jewelry, which has used the high-profile event to promote their exquisite and expensive creations on the Red Carpet.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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And Diane de Poitiers, reputed to be the most beautiful woman in 16th-century France, drank gold to preserve her exquisite looks, the Botox of the Renaissance.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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My favorite way to use it up is by making zucchini butter—a luscious, versatile spread that is just as delicious on sandwiches as it is tossed with pasta.—
Kendra Vaculin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 May 2025
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Fried rice is delicious on its own, but a block of extra-firm tofu can make this dish significantly more substantial and filling.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
30 May 2025
Noun
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But a cake stand gives a cake presence, and it can even be used for occasions other than serving a sweet treat.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
3 June 2025
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The release of Frosty Fusions came around a month later, with the sweet treat arriving at locations nationwide on May 12.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.—
Seth Eli Barlow,
Arkansas Online,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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In any case, for the other guests, the tripping goes fine.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
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Together, the two properties form a seamless downtown ecosystem. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes.—
Brandi Jones,
Health,
25 May 2025
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The navy, white, and subtle red palette nods to the seaside and seamlessly blends into Printemps' signature French elegance.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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