1
2

Try This Instead

For
Try This
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 If a movie can be elegant and brutal at once, this one is. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 June 2025 Perfect for her own compact body, distinctive and elegant. Literary Hub, 4 June 2025 The blouse looked comfortable yet elegant, which inspired us to hunt down lookalikes for less. Clara McMahon, People.com, 3 June 2025 Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for elegant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • With the opening of the new Casa Sanlorenzo cultural centre, Sanlorenzo pivots from producing exquisite vessels to becoming a vessel itself, one that carries culture, ideas, and transformation.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • In addition, Vi boasts exquisite restaurants offering a range of casual to upscale dining with a focus on scratch cooking. Clubs, classes and events create opportunities for residents to make new and deeper connections with each other.
    Advertorial, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • While at a wedding, Harry (Pascal), a handsome millionaire, starts flirting with her.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • None of that is as interesting as the romance between the novel’s poor orphan Eun-Jae and the handsome prince Yi Beon.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Accidents in that phase of flight are rare, said Paul Hayes, safety director at UK consultancy Cirium Ascend.
    Allison Lampert, USA Today, 14 June 2025
  • But similar events have been fairly rare in the United States.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday evening, Broadway’s finest, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow, Lea Michele and Tonys host Cynthia Erivo, gathered outside of Radio City Music Hall under a covered red carpet, avoiding the dreary New York City weather.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the pop-up, select Auto rotate and then tap Done.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • Days later, Jennings spoke only to the Charlotte Optimist newsletter about select details of the agreement — including the dollar amount.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elegant

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!