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
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
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Recent Examples of delicateThe bridge's opening comes at a delicate time for US-Canada relations.—New Atlas,
11 Aug. 2026 Chikankari is a delicate embroidery technique that goes back to the 17th century, when the Mughal empress Nur Jahan introduced it to India.—
Divia Thani,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Aug. 2026 Roberts didn’t go that far, and some commentators hailed the opinion as a delicate compromise.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
10 Aug. 2026 Cottage cheese instead of ricotta will give the dish a more delicate flavor.—ABC News,
10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicate
The 2003 recording that appears on 2009’s The Live Anthology box set is eight minutes long, with a virtuoso performance by keyboardist Benmont Tench on the lengthy instrumental bridge.
—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
7 Aug. 2026
The visual essay below features virtuoso examples of the techniques that designers have used to replicate the ideals of classical dress over the years, including draping, pleating, twisting, and wrapping.
Sri Sarma of Johns Hopkins highlights how biological neural networks offer superior adaptability, efficiency, and resilience, unlike fragile digital systems.
—
John Werner,
Forbes.com,
9 Aug. 2026
The miracle behind Cruz’s discovery is that amphibians such as frogs, toads and salamanders rarely make it into the fossil records because of their fragile skeletons.
Kurz said that the field team put careful consideration into selecting each site.
—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
14 Aug. 2026
Steve Bardens/Getty Images Brighton & Hove Albion must be careful that the chill of winter does not arrive much earlier than normal for them this season in the Conference League.
The five-night yacht voyages combine access to historic sites along the river and elegant, luxurious accommodations.
—
Forbes Travel Guide,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2026
Featuring romantic bell sleeves, an elegant boat neckline, and an adjustable back cinch detail, this figure-forming top looks flattering on just about everyone.
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