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 The historic fantasy of the Great White Way as a glamorous montage of gleaming marquees, sparky backstage romances, and elegant audiences reveling in black tie was a Hollywood concoction, arguably false from the start. —Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 Meghan Markle has been embracing quiet luxury in effortlessly elegant outfits on Instagram. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Your character’s death is the inciting incident of this film, but Sarah is still threaded throughout the film in a rather elegant way. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025 The contrast-stripe stitching is eye-catching and elegant, dressing up the classic silhouette without a thought. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 8 Apr. 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
  • As with most new pursuits, our learning curve was steep and our movements the antithesis of graceful.
    — Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Coastal live oaks stretched their long branches into a graceful embrace.
    — Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of graceful
Adjective
  • His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.
    — Essence, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • His being handsome, funny and not known for comedy was a real asset.
    — Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Keep them shiny and spot-free with common household ingredients already in your cupboard, for a handsome set that will last for years.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of handsome
Adjective
  • The exemptions were a rare piece of good news for the battered financial markets, and U.S. stocks closed higher Monday.
    — John Bacon, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2025
  • That unit, with Nick Robertson and McMann on the flanks, dominated in Carolina: unblocked shot attempts were 11-2 in their eight minutes, including a rare goal from Holmberg.
    — Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of rare
Adjective
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    — Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • To kick-start the project, his team created a group chat on Matrix, another open protocol for digital communication, and invited select people who expressed interest in joining.
    — Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The Choice package is the most popular and offers CBS in select markets in addition to over 100 other channels for $114.99/month.
    — Claire Franken, TVLine, 7 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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