1
as in nice
hard to please
you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste
the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in delicious
very pleasing to the sense of taste
the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dainty
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
Oversized pearl studs reigned supreme on Schiaparelli‘s fall 2025 runway, confirming the style’s relevance in the upcoming months, but for something daintier and of the diamond variety, go with Ring Concierge’s Pear Lab Diamond Studs.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2025
This dainty flower reaches just six inches tall, making a lovely edge for pathways.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
The All Day Julienne Mini Cooler retails for $140 and features both handles, decked out with three dainty gold bow charms, and a shoulder strap.
—Yamillah Hurtado, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Adjective
While the color is airy enough to feel like summer—especially when paired with a dainty chiffon skirt like on the With Jéan website—the muted tone looks soft and luxe as a fall-winter knit.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
Oversized pearl studs reigned supreme on Schiaparelli‘s fall 2025 runway, confirming the style’s relevance in the upcoming months, but for something daintier and of the diamond variety, go with Ring Concierge’s Pear Lab Diamond Studs.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2025
This dainty flower reaches just six inches tall, making a lovely edge for pathways.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
The All Day Julienne Mini Cooler retails for $140 and features both handles, decked out with three dainty gold bow charms, and a shoulder strap.
—Yamillah Hurtado, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
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These aren't nice-to-haves anymore.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The futon mattress is comfortable and has a nice weight distribution thanks to the pocket springs wrapped in polyester fiber.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a dark wash The most elegant, most versatile, and easiest solution for how to style barrel jeans is simply buying a pair in a dark wash.—
Lucía Tejo,
Glamour,
20 Sep. 2025
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Named one of the best new hotels of 2024 by T+L editors in the annual It List, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic history with a replica of the Concorde on the ceiling of its elegant rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Marco Anelli/Tommaso Sacconi © Curated by Nicola Lucchi, Magazzino’s Director of Research and Education, the exhibition chronicles Ohira’s (1946–2022) career in Murano – a Venetian island renowned for its long history and exquisite art of glassmaking – which spanned nearly four decades.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Fathi used a 600 mm telephoto lens to capture exquisite detail on the lunar surface, and 50 mm and 14 mm lenses to image the striking chalk formations of the White Desert.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This will exceed your expectations because something so humble really isn't meant to be this delicious.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Sep. 2025
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The bright vegetal bite of a good blanco is delicious and helps match the robust character of the maraschino liqueur.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The free festival will include farm-stand produce, cider treats, local artisans and live music.—
Michele Herrmann,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Farther along, candies are packed into boxes by hand, readying them to join the roughly 3 million treats Rebecca Ruth sells each year.—
Robin Roenker,
Southern Living,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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When human activities like pollution disrupt habitats, these delicate host–parasite relationships can break down.—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
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This delicate balance is precisely what makes the platform so powerful.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The sharp-yet-flexible points and buildable tint leave behind a trio of micro-fine strokes that, when brushed along your arches, blend seamlessly with your natural hairs.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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Before all that happened, though, there was the eight-course dinner, which went totally fine as predicted.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The subtle side snap buttons leading down to the slit provide detail without being distracting, and the pointelle knit offers enough stretch and texture to hug your curves in all the right places.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
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Chisholm took a subtle shot at the Marlins, noting what was holding him back.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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