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
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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
The Aussie style is typically bone-dry with rapier-sharp acidity, chalk-dust texture, and delicate citrus and floral flavors.
—
Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 5 Mar. 2025
McGrath has been given full access to the Louis Vuitton archive, which includes vanity cases to transport delicate perfumes and cosmetics from 1854, and a range of powder compacts, brushes and mirrors seen in the 1920s.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
Fresh, delicate, and feminine, this blends patchouli, vetiver, orange, jasmine, and rose into an aroma unlike any other.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
Every fictional serial killer and practically every fictional psychopath post-Silence of the Lambs owes some debt to Hopkins' radical performance — wry, polite, delicate, and demonic.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Christina Pickard, Bon Appétit, 5 Mar. 2025
McGrath has been given full access to the Louis Vuitton archive, which includes vanity cases to transport delicate perfumes and cosmetics from 1854, and a range of powder compacts, brushes and mirrors seen in the 1920s.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 5 Mar. 2025
Fresh, delicate, and feminine, this blends patchouli, vetiver, orange, jasmine, and rose into an aroma unlike any other.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
Every fictional serial killer and practically every fictional psychopath post-Silence of the Lambs owes some debt to Hopkins' radical performance — wry, polite, delicate, and demonic.
—EW.com, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for delicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicate
Adjective
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Superyacht designers have begun to navigate the cultural preferences of their clientele by redefining yacht interiors in subtle but significant ways.—
Tristan Rutherford,
Robb Report,
2 Mar. 2025
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Soft and subtle raspberry aromas, as well as rich black cherries and beef jerky.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The exfiltrated data included the following browser files, which can store login cookies, passwords, browsing histories, and other sensitive data.—
Dan Goodin,
Ars Technica,
7 Mar. 2025
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To begin the transition to PQC, assess what of your critical infrastructure deals with high volumes of sensitive data.—
Anurag Lal,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This refusal could lead to a crisis with both Hamas and Egypt, the key mediator, at a delicate time for the already fragile truce.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2025
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Hours before talks began, an Israeli official said the country would not withdraw from a strategic corridor in the Gaza Strip as called for under the cease-fire, a refusal that could severely complicate negotiations with Hamas and key mediator Egypt at a sensitive moment for the fragile truce.—
Mohammad Jahjouh,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
There’s potential for clarity in resolving any lingering tension, but also be careful not to speak too rashly.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
3 Mar. 2025
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In comments at the Morgan Stanley media conference, the Fox CEO was again extremely careful to stress that the goal is not to cannibalize linear television and Fox will not advertise it on linear television but is meant purely to capture those who cut the cord or have never subscribed to cable.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Grande’s elegant look this evening stayed true to the spirit of her red-carpet style this awards season.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2025
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Its lower floors featured elegant communal parlors for entertaining guests, while the upper floors housed more modest sleeping quarters.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Salesforce shares fell in extended trading Wednesday on mixed quarterly results and weak guidance.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
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There aren’t enough affordable ones and the charging infrastructure is weak.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Why is the knee-jerk reaction to say something horrible rather than to say something nice?—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
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The Boomers’ American Dream of working hard will provide for a nice house with a white picket fence, new cars, a family, financial security, and pensions.—
Jack Kelly,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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But new correspondence with The Times raises questions about whether that narrative is accurate, or if Bass is withholding public records.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2025
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Enhanced Decision Making Centralized content management enhances decision making by giving employees access to accurate, up-to-date information far quicker.—
Daniel Fallmann,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Delicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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