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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dainty
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
But for me, it’s been very classy, very dainty, and polite.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 10 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
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
But for me, it’s been very classy, very dainty, and polite.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 10 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
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After spending the last two seasons together at the University of Minnesota, it’s been nice having each other to lean on — and to geek out with.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
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The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
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Founded in 1948 by jeweler David Webb, the house has been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
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Spring Café For healthier–yet still delicious—fare, head to Spring Café for lunch.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The crisp and cool weather, particularly in September and October, is a welcome treat after summer’s thick humidity.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Apr. 2025
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The celebration on the infield was a rare treat for a Sox team that needs to learn how to win.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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And written by two of the finest Canadian imports in the TV game: Justified creator Graham Yost and Moira Walley-Beckett, who wrote the Breaking Bad installment Rolling Stone once dubbed the best episode in television history.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.—
Jorge L. Ortiz,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
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Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.—
Kate Hardcastle,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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