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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

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 exquisite
Adjective
Hanging Lake Tucked inside the White River National Forest in Glenwood Canyon is Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark thanks to its exquisite beauty. Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 2 Apr. 2025 His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently. Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
The outfits range from the exquisite to the amusing to the absurd, tracing San Francisco fashion from after the 1906 earthquake to the new century. Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2024 Balcer would put her stamp on the game in another way 25 minutes later, delivering an exquisite through ball that launched Lavelle on a dash up the middle of the Gotham defense toward the tying goal. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for exquisite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • Whether singing a cappella or accompanied by her guitar to hundreds or thousands of people − at a small venue or an awards show − Lafourcade's performances feel visceral, intense and intimate all at once.
    Pamela Avila, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In place of intense (and potentially irritating) acids, Mediheal's Madecassoside Blemish Pads target breakouts and breakout-causing bacteria with anti-inflammatory powerhouses madecassoside and cica.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Emotive, enchanting and exotic, the track weaves kalimba and chanting vocals with soft, brooding piano and string parts — and even a subtle harp.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.
    Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The massive dome of the Grand Mosque, and the city’s brilliant whites and blues and glittering golden crescents, blinked at me as the battering swell soaked me and my gear.
    Chris Wallace, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Live like the pampered swells by checking into the Starlight Casita, a second-floor luxury room with arresting mountain views and a private patio replete with an outdoor fireplace.
    David Weiss, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Since early March, Israel has cut Gaza off from the supply of humanitarian aid including food, with aid agencies warning that the situation for the strip’s 2 million civilians has deteriorated dangerously, only worsened by intensive Israeli military operations.
    Irene Nasser, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Now, more than six months after first complaining of stomach pain, Butlin started her first three-month course of intensive chemotherapy on April 8.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ava has severe cognitive impairment and a rare form of epilepsy.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The floors were constructed with longleaf pine, rare timber harvested from virgin forests that once flourished in East Texas.
    Hollace Ava Weiner, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The event kicked off with an opening dance, before the debutantes lined up for a waltz with their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers for dancing with a live band.
    Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 1 Dec. 2024
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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