delicate

adjective

ˈde-li-kət How to pronounce delicate (audio)
Definition of delicatenext
1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish

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2
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines

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3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation

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4
as in fragile
easily broken delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping

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5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands

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6
as in careful
hard to please a person of delicate tastes

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7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate

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8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports

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9
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology

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10
as in accurate
meeting the highest standard of accuracy extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock

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11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window

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12
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the delicate challenge of inviting two people who don't like each other to the same party

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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 Better yet—especially for those with a delicate face of glam—there’s no need to rub the touchless formula in once it’s applied. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 May 2025 Felix completed his attire with jewelry pieces including rings, earrings and a delicate bracelet. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 May 2025 Here, Gerdes created an airy, cohesive container with delicate, shimmering flowers of alyssum and ‘Glitz’ euphorbia, pops of pale purple ‘Starfish’ petunia blooms, soft mounds of velvety artemisia, and trailing silver tendrils of dichondra. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025 This transformation requires a delicate balancing act. —Miles Ward, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
  1. subtle
  2. sensitive
  3. fragile
  4. careful
  5. elegant
  6. weak
  7. nice
  8. accurate
Adjective
  • Arthritis in your fingers often starts with subtle changes.
    — Brandi Jones, Health, 25 May 2025
  • 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
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Moreover, data tokenization or de-identification allows sensitive information (like PII or health records) to be replaced with non-sensitive surrogates, reducing risk without compromising analytics.
    — Shinoy Vengaramkode Bhaskaran, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    — Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • In late 1973, Darin failed to take his antibiotics before a routine dental visit — a preventive measure intended to protect his fragile heart.
    — Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025
  • Although concepts for crewed missions to Mars have gained popularity, NASA’s actual plans for landing humans on Mars remain fragile.
    — Ari Koeppel, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • Watch out for slippery roads: Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 25 May 2025
  • Many participants with conflicting ideologies also reported cohabiting peacefully for the most part, while being careful not to bring up divisive topics and focus on their similarities instead.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • 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
  • This elegant tiered fountain, just minutes off U.S. Highway 17, draws visitors year-round with its photogenic charm and quiet appeal.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The grand jury also criticizes city officials for weak oversight and enforcement of their contract with the Humane Society, which requires the nonprofit to enforce leash laws at 400 city parks and other venues.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Thanks to a weak front sliding across Central Florida, Thursday will be a bit cooler than prior days.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • 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
  • Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.
    — Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Forecasts will become less accurate in time, with people getting less lead time when inclement weather may impact their daily lives.
    — Bryan Karrick, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The ultra-wide camera retains steadiness but produces video with more accurate colors.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
Definition of accurate

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Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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