exquisite 1 of 2

1
2
3

exquisite

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of exquisite are choice, dainty, delicate, elegant, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When could choice be used to replace exquisite?

While the synonyms choice and exquisite are close in meaning, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When can dainty be used instead of exquisite?

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

dainty sandwiches

In what contexts can delicate take the place of exquisite?

The words delicate and exquisite are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

Where would elegant be a reasonable alternative to exquisite?

The synonyms elegant and exquisite are sometimes interchangeable, but elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is rare a more appropriate choice than exquisite?

While in some cases nearly identical to exquisite, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

Examples 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 exquisite
Adjective
The iconic singer and artist showed up at the Shell Energy Stadium to share an endorsement of Harris in an exquisite number by Wardrobe.NYC. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Oct. 2024 There’s a movie theater, a game room, a massive wine cellar, an office, and a gym, plus outdoor amenities like a swimming pool, elegant gardens, ponds, and exquisite equestrian facilities. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
Affleck has sought out the exquisite before. Stellene Volandes, Town & Country, 9 Apr. 2022 The exquisite remains allowed scientists to redescribe the species since Hallucigenia’s important head and mouth features were observable. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 24 June 2015 See all Example Sentences for exquisite 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • The vote came amid a moment of intense political debate about inflation.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024
  • The stakes have never been higher — and the pressure has never been more intense.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The food at the elegant Waterside Restaurant, whose walls, carpets and curtains are appealingly decorated with wavy designs, is top-notch.
    James Rampton, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent can turn any living space into an elegant oasis — even if it’s decorated with Legos.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But even without winning an Editors' Choice award, the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro commands attention with some subtle new features.
    Brian Westover, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Come September this year, the material anchored many fashion crowd ’fits, who opted for the material as subtle accessories and head-to-toe looks.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The winds from the swell aren't expected to be strong enough to cause damage, but more winds arriving in Southern California this weekend could have stronger impacts.
    Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024
  • Democrats are pushing a resolution condemning the swell of disinformation peddled about recent major hurricanes that hit the Eastern Seaboard, including by politicians.
    Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Tester feedback: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says this finishing spray is a staple in her routine for its weightless feel and intensive oil control.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Beyond traditional panels, the conference offers intensive masterclasses in authentic storytelling and a hands-on hackathon where participants tackle real-world DEI challenges.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Because of its class-leading functionality, polish, and usability, Photoshop earns a rare five-star rating and our Editors' Choice award.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • This is the rare case that law enforcement wanted to go viral.
    Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Amid that delicate task, the central bank could fall under an uncomfortable political spotlight should Trump follow his previous pattern of publicly attacking Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Navigating this landscape requires a delicate balance, especially as consumers increasingly expect fast, seamless service.
    Gary Drenik, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Opal is described as a 5-pound red/brown cavapoo — a mix of a King Charles cavalier and a poodle.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2024
  • Next came a waltz between all the debutantes and their fathers, who were passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2023

Thesaurus Entries Near exquisite

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on exquisite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!