savoir faire

noun

Definition of savoir fairenext
as in charm
formal the ability to behave in a correct and confident way in different situations I admire her sophistication and savoir faire. He handled the problem with his usual savoir faire.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word savoir faire different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of savoir faire are address, poise, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

When would address be a good substitute for savoir faire?

While the synonyms address and savoir faire are close in meaning, address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When is it sensible to use poise instead of savoir faire?

The words poise and savoir faire are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When can tact be used instead of savoir faire?

Although the words tact and savoir faire have much in common, tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

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 savoir faire The personalized presentation of the liquid, and the experiences surrounding it, are an apt celebration of Martell’s 309 years and counting of tradition, heritage, and savoir faire. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2024 When the world’s top luxury brands pour their savoir faire into Advent calendars, the results are—predictably—the height of luxury. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2024 London is also, unsurprisingly, a wonderful place to source nightwear given the sartorial savoir faire of Savile Row and Jermyn Street. —Caroline Reilly, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024 Equestrian events on the grounds of Versailles! — and undeniable savoir faire, may just have helped save the Olympics. —Bryan Walsh, Vox, 9 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for savoir faire
Recent Examples of Synonyms for savoir faire
  1. charm
  2. sensitivity
  3. gallantry
  4. grace
  5. manners
  6. courtesy
Noun
  • The good news is that Crocs offers a variety of shoes that go beyond the classic foam clogs with holes for charms, which look good and have the same level of support.
    — Toni Sutton, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This choice, along with the decision to film on real locations, enhances the magical quality and tactile charm of the film, reminiscent of '80s classics like The Labyrinth or Willow.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of charm
Noun
  • But outside of folks with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, there’s no conclusive evidence that gluten consumption triggers inflammation.
    — Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Finding narratives that can still cut through the noise and resonate with fractured audiences will demand unprecedented creativity and sensitivity from communicators.
    — Fahad Qadir, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Foster a Climate That Is Inclusive, Not Exclusive There is a back story to Crazy Horse's battlefield gallantry.
    — Chip Bell, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
  • Great gallantry April 5th is known as Go for Broke Day.
    — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of gallantry
Noun
  • Ellie accepts the decision with grace and equanimity.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That is, the papal state gave him the grace to be even more united to the people, over and above his low profile, a warm person.
    — Escher Walcott, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of grace
Noun
  • This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Leighton said being respectful of the flight crew, keeping your stuff in order, disposing of your trash responsibly, and just generally minding your manners make the flying experience more pleasant for everyone.
    — Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of manners
Noun
  • Derrick White’s layup with 2:31 remaining in the fourth quarter tied the game at 91-91, but the decisive moments came courtesy of Franz Wagner, who answered with his own layup and another basket either side of a crucial miss by Tatum.
    — Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • He's transformed, with a buzz cut, neatly shaven beard and a tan (courtesy of nearly two weeks in the Miami sun).
    — Anika Reed, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of courtesy

Browse Nearby Words

saviors
savoir faire
savor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Savoir faire.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/savoir%20faire. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Words in Disguise: Do these seem familiar?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular

See More

Words You Always Have to Look Up

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All