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 Whether powered by retinol or antioxidant-rich botanicals, each formula firms and smooths the delicate eye area—while calming agents like centella asiatica and panthenol help prevent irritation. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 11 July 2025 Ceylon cinnamon is the sweeter, more delicate and more expensive version of the spice, but cassia cinnamon is more popular. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2025 In a delicate approach to pay tribute to the culmination of creative director Demna’s work, Kardashian donned a hyper-feminine aesthetic with a short, side-part bob. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 9 July 2025 Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor. —Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 1 July 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
  • They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • The accessory was a subtle nod to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, whose colors have been green and purple since 1909.
    — Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 12 July 2025
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    — Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • They’ve been counted on to fix what breaks, carry what slips, hold what’s fragile.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Unlike other thin, fragile flats that offer little wear before falling apart, these are reinforced with Vionic’s trademark cushioning, a removable insert, and premium upper materials.
    — Kayla Blanton, People.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • However, later in the day, be careful about jumping to conclusions when dealing with others.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 13 July 2025
  • The takeaway: Be careful about triggering too many credit inquiries.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • Order the celebration of summer strawberries, which includes an incredibly elegant presentation of shave ice.
    — Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 July 2025
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.
    — Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • But Democrats see Earle-Sears as a far weaker candidate than Youngkin, operating a worse environment for the GOP.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 8 July 2025
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.
    — Jamie Fischer, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.
    — Shalwah Evans, People.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 5 July 2025
  • All odds are accurate as of 5:00 a.m. ET on Friday.
    — James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.

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