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 After the identification, the team faced the delicate task of preserving the ancient mammoth tusk for further examination. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Mar. 2025 Bright and delicate, the sauce had the unmistakable perfume of Genoese basil. —Gina Decaprio Vercesi, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025 The delicate almond bites make a quick and easy treat when guests come by unexpectedly, and pair nicely with a cup of tea. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025 Made with waterproof, skin-safe silicone (which is naturally antibacterial), this little device is gentle on the delicate areas around your eyes and is super easy to clean. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 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
  • 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
  • Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.
    — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • 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
  • In late March, four Taiwanese soldiers, three of whom were part of a unit that provides security for Taiwan’s Presidential Office, were jailed for up to seven years after being convicted of selling pictures of sensitive information to China.
    — Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Together these missions have let planetary scientists like me study pristine, fragile carbonaceous material from asteroids.
    — Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Israel Defense Forces leveled a village in northern Gaza in the days following the collapse of the fragile ceasefire that went into effect earlier this year.
    — Kerem Inal, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • These concerns underscore the need for careful consideration of privacy rights when deploying such technology.
    — Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • To make the most of spring planting, start with site preparation and careful plant selection.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of careful
Adjective
  • 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
  • Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.
    — Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Carbonaceous chondrites tend to be weaker and more crumbly than other meteorites, so these objects just don’t stand as much of a chance.
    — Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Then, McIlroy hit a weak drive to the right and was blocked by pines.
    — Time, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • There’s a place downtown called Soul Classics that’s really nice, like street-wear stuff.
    — Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of accurate

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delicate
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Cite this Entry

“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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