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 Elizabeth Arden’s newest eau de toilette proves that pistachio is much more versatile and delicate, and Honkus says that even those who are sweet-averse will adore Green Tea Pistachio Crunch. —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 8 Apr. 2025 So Netanyahu must keep performing a delicate balancing act. —Amos Harel, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2025 Despite the viral success, balancing creativity with parenthood remains a delicate act. —Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025 As the situation unfolds, Republicans are caught in a delicate balancing act, wary of angering Trump while addressing the growing backlash against his trade policies. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 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
  • Mulaney’s approach to social commentary on his show is even more subtle; sometimes, concentrating a sketch on a character like Willy Loman is enough.
    — David Sims, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The game is a fun but challenging exercise for your brain which asks players to group words based on subtle and sometimes tricky connections, which tests your logic and language skills.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Concerns have been raised about DOGE operatives, many with ties to Musk's companies, gaining access to sensitive government data without adequate oversight or experience.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Cooling, calming, and tailor-made for sensitive skin, this mask drapes delicately across your face to deliver a serious hit of cica (Centella asiatica) and allantoin—soothing redness and dryness in minutes.
    — Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Israel resumed its ground operation in Gaza on March 19 after negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire involving an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners failed.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
  • For those with fragile hair, Philip Kingsley’s fortifying shampoo aims to give the appearance of thicker, stronger strands.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • Although careful planning is essential, action generates momentum.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Overall, Coney Barrett took a very careful route, avoiding the more strident criticism of the Trump administration while siding with the liberals in criticizing the Supreme Court majority for agreeing to take the case.
    — Sean O'Driscoll, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Many reviews praised Fitzgerald’s elegant prose but dismissed the book’s literary significance.
    — Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 5 Apr. 2025
  • However, Rosewood Baha Mar is arguably the most elegant, drawing a more discerning and spendy crowd.
    — Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • However, a weaker dollar, resulting from tariffs and other policies, makes that harder for exporters.
    — Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • After seven episodes of pained teeth-gritting and wide-eyed astonishment, he’s found closure in confronting the man who killed his father (or not) and finding only a weak old guy too sickly to punch.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • That seems off: Frank Beamer was the nice coach, who never seemed to get in people’s faces.
    — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Oatmeal bath: Soaking in a cool bath that contains colloidal oatmeal, which has anti-inflammatory properties, can also feel nice, Dr. Miller says.
    — Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Garland handed the character work of directing to Mendoza to honor the project’s one abiding rule: sticking without exception to an utterly accurate recounting.
    — Fred Schruers, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But the ability to navigate this uncertainty depends on high-quality, accurate data—particularly supplier master data—which is easier said than done.
    — Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of accurate

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delicacy
delicate
delicately
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Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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