as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
had to finesse the schedule a bit to fit in another patient that afternoon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
tried to finesse the blame for the foreign policy fiasco, even though he was secretary of state at the time
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of finesse
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
The state finessed that by assuming his car was repaired after the robbery.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
But there is one exception, a scene whose dramatic importance is reflected in a startling inventiveness of composition, and whose stylistic finesse provides a clue about where Aster’s emotional investment lies.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
His energy, vision and finesse has made a mark acknowledged around the globe.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the other, a talented pitcher in a true breakout year overpowered some hitters and, against others, finessed his way out of pressure spots with men on base.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
The state finessed that by assuming his car was repaired after the robbery.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet told Fortune that the fund exists to ensure the organization’s ability to operate for years to come.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Jax heterosexually admired Jade Cargill’s body, but buried Jade’s in-ring ability.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Many countries have sought to negotiate to remove or reduce the tariffs, some have made deals, while others have enforced counter tariffs.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Blackhawks and Kaiser’s agent had been negotiating for some time this offseason, but neither side had been in a rush, with the 23-year-old Kaiser having no arbitration rights.—
Scott Powers,
New York Times,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rather than provide food or temporary shelter for such workers in the colder months, municipalities would round them up and remove them, to save money and evade any responsibility to aid them.—
Time,
Time,
16 Sep. 2025
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In Milwaukee, Kellner said that around 33% of bus riders have evaded paying fares in 2025 but that the agency has identified a few cost-neutral strategies targeted at reducing fare evasion down to 30% by September 2026, the same rate of evasion busses saw in 2024.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While he may be known for his comedic prowess, his previous performances, such as in Requiem for a Dream and Respect, show the actor’s underrated versatility.—
Essence,
Essence,
18 Sep. 2025
-
During a visit to Taiwan last month, Anduril founder Palmer Luckey hailed the island’s manufacturing capabilities and technological prowess.—
Wayne Chang,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In this approach, quantum information is encoded in various properties of photons, and computation is performed by manipulating these photonic states using optical components.—
Gil Press,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Tahoe is obviously getting more aggressive with icon-shape enforcement, up to and including automatically manipulating them and sentencing them to icon jail.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans, who say school security and improving mental health services are the best way to avoid future tragedies, have firmly opposed any new gun control measures.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Nabbing that last prize requires more hot talk, sharply pointed commentary and treading territory Carson usually avoided.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The Bronx Bombers could add talent in free agency, especially considering the Yankees might lose Cody Bellinger this winter.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Then the focus automatically becomes about engaging a diverse slate of talent that can evolve thinking and generate unconventional solutions.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sanders’ motion details several incidents in which Rackauckas and investigators maneuvered to keep the defense from receiving evidence that could have impeached Neary’s testimony.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
17 Sep. 2025
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Public budgets have less room to maneuver, insurers are retreating from high-risk markets, and the cost of capital is rising fastest in regions most exposed to climate volatility.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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