1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of delicate
This is not a laptop that expects delicate handling.
—
PCMAG, 16 Mar. 2025
The other, a white T-shirt that looked worn-in, black joggers and a delicate hoop earring.
—Priscilla Posada, Los Angeles Times, 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
Python prints, delicate lace, raw denim and voluminous shapes brought texture and contrast.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
PCMAG, 16 Mar. 2025
The other, a white T-shirt that looked worn-in, black joggers and a delicate hoop earring.
—Priscilla Posada, Los Angeles Times, 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
Python prints, delicate lace, raw denim and voluminous shapes brought texture and contrast.
—Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
-
Once the foot is under the ball and has left the ground, a subtle flick of the ankle sends it forward to create the dipping motion that will bring it back down quickly.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
14 Mar. 2025
-
There were also subtle ‘60s influences in sweet mary jane shoes and boxy silhouettes.—
Rhonda Richford,
WWD,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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However, people with sensitive skin may experience mild skin irritation, which is often more prevalent with higher percentages of urea.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Her role focused on safeguarding the CFPB's sensitive data, including transaction records from credit reporting agencies, complaints filed by citizens, and information from Big Tech companies under investigation.—
Andrew R. Chow,
TIME,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Burnout is rampant, employee trust is fragile, and businesses that fail to cultivate genuine workplace culture are losing talent fast.—
Nell Derick Debevoise,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
-
The news comes even as talks over the fragile ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas take place.—
Lauren Izso,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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
-
Why America's business leaders engage in delicate diplomacy Corporate America's careful rhetoric — even as many big companies brace for the impact of the market volatility and the tariffs — illustrates the delicate diplomacy that business leaders are trying to engage in.—
Maria Aspan,
NPR,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Inside, details like custom door trim and crown mouldings add elegant touches to the living and family rooms throughout the home.—
Mary Forgione,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
To Chanel, Naomi Campbell donned an elegant lilac ensemble by the house.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Similarly, 5GHz signals were strong in the central areas but became weaker in the garage, the den, and the kitchen area.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
11 Mar. 2025
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As the market sell-off gains steam, a handful of quality stocks could outperform and buck the broader weak trend for equities, according to Bernstein.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Suede bags are still everywhere and a nice commercial proposal adapted to many trends.—
Sandra Salibian,
WWD,
17 Mar. 2025
-
However, despite slipping on the grass, Spaun was able to hit a nice approach shot to give himself a good look at a birdie from 20-plus feet out.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Urban Planning By creating highly accurate 3D models of cities, project managers and architects can visualize the entire urban environment, simulate changes and make more informed decisions.—
Carlos Melendez,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
The United States should immediately resume sharing influenza data with WHO’s databases, providing the most accurate picture of circulating strains.—
Richard Hughes IV,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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