elegant

adjective

ˈe-li-gənt How to pronounce elegant (audio)
Definition of elegantnext
1
as in graceful
having or showing elegance the most elegant First Lady in the nation's history the bride's elegant gown received nothing but praise

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exquisite
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste prepared an elegant dinner for the honored guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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an elegant hotel
a luxurious hotel
a stylish hotel
an exquisite hotel
an exclusive hotel
elegant clothes
fancy clothes
glamorous clothes
classy clothes
graceful clothes
exquisite clothes
elegant prose
eloquent prose
beautiful prose
lovely prose

Synonym Chooser

How is the word elegant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of elegant are choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," 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 choice instead of elegant?

In some situations, the words choice and elegant are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

Where would dainty be a reasonable alternative to elegant?

Although the words dainty and elegant have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is delicate a more appropriate choice than elegant?

The meanings of delicate and elegant largely overlap; however, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would exquisite be a good substitute for elegant?

While in some cases nearly identical to elegant, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When might rare be a better fit than elegant?

While the synonyms rare and elegant are close in meaning, 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 elegant If a movie can be elegant and brutal at once, this one is. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025 Perfect for her own compact body, distinctive and elegant. —Literary Hub, 4 June 2025 The blouse looked comfortable yet elegant, which inspired us to hunt down lookalikes for less. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 3 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
  1. graceful
  2. exquisite
  3. handsome
  4. rare
  5. fine
  6. select
Adjective
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    — Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • The Cannes Film Festival is also where these categories flourish in visibility, especially the high jewelry, which has used the high-profile event to promote their exquisite and expensive creations on the Red Carpet.
    — Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • And Diane de Poitiers, reputed to be the most beautiful woman in 16th-century France, drank gold to preserve her exquisite looks, the Botox of the Renaissance.
    — Sean Kingsley, HollywoodReporter, 24 May 2025
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Here the handsome yellow and gray Palazzo del Capitolo building is close to Jana’s Café, where tank topped and tattooed visitors sipped rather than chugged espressos.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • These escapades are set in 1950 and have a handsome vintage color palette of white, gray, green, metal and wood.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of handsome
Adjective
  • Season 7 provided a rare opportunity to keep this world for the fans while introducing new characters alongside some beloved favorites.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 2 June 2025
  • For families facing rare genetic epilepsies, this medicine offers more than seizure control.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • Surrounded by monumental works from celebrated contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Jaume Plensa, Biggers’ piece contributes to The Donum Collection’s vision: a harmonious blend of fine wine, sustainable farming, and transformative art.
    — Okla Jones, Essence, 28 May 2025
  • Together, the two properties form a seamless downtown ecosystem. Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    — Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • In the pop-up, select Auto rotate and then tap Done.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • Additionally, Charlotte Tilbury touch-up stations will be available at AT&T Stadium during select Cowboys home games so that fans can get in on the action on game days.
    — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of select

Browse Nearby Words

elegancy
elegant
elegantly
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Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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