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Some common synonyms of dainty<\/em> are choice<\/em><\/a>, delicate<\/em><\/a>, elegant<\/em><\/a>, exquisite<\/em><\/a>, and rare<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste,\" dainty<\/em> sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.<\/p>

\/\/ dainty<\/em> sandwiches<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'choice' instead of 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms choice<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but choice<\/em> stresses preeminence in quality or kind.<\/p>

\/\/ choice<\/em> fabric<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'delicate' be a better fit than 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms delicate<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are close in meaning, delicate<\/em> implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.<\/p>

\/\/ delicate<\/em> craftsmanship<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'elegant' be a good substitute for 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of elegant<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> largely overlap; however, elegant<\/em> applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.<\/p>

\/\/ a sumptuous but elegant<\/em> dining room<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'exquisite' be used to replace 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words exquisite<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite<\/em> implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.<\/p>

\/\/ an exquisite<\/em> gold bracelet<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'rare' take the place of 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty<\/em>, rare<\/em><\/a> suggests an uncommon excellence.<\/p>

\/\/ rare<\/em> beauty<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'dainty' different from other adjectives like it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of dainty<\/em> are choice<\/em><\/a>, delicate<\/em><\/a>, elegant<\/em><\/a>, exquisite<\/em><\/a>, and rare<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste,\" dainty<\/em> sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.<\/p>

\/\/ dainty<\/em> sandwiches<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'choice' instead of 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms choice<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but choice<\/em> stresses preeminence in quality or kind.<\/p>

\/\/ choice<\/em> fabric<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'delicate' be a better fit than 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms delicate<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are close in meaning, delicate<\/em> implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.<\/p>

\/\/ delicate<\/em> craftsmanship<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'elegant' be a good substitute for 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of elegant<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> largely overlap; however, elegant<\/em> applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.<\/p>

\/\/ a sumptuous but elegant<\/em> dining room<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'exquisite' be used to replace 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words exquisite<\/em><\/a> and dainty<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite<\/em> implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.<\/p>

\/\/ an exquisite<\/em> gold bracelet<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'rare' take the place of 'dainty'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty<\/em>, rare<\/em><\/a> suggests an uncommon excellence.<\/p>

\/\/ rare<\/em> beauty<\/p>" } } ] }

dainty 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of daintynext
1
as in nice
hard to please you can't afford to be dainty about food when you're starving

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste the dainty hors d'oeuvres were delicious, but not terribly filling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a set of dainty teacups that would be perfect for an elderly lady

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in delicious
very pleasing to the sense of taste the sort of dainty finger foods that might be served at afternoon tea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dainty

2 of 2

noun

ˈdān-tÄ“ How to pronounce dainty (audio)
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury the widow plied her suitor with dainties and endless glasses of sherry

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dainty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is it sensible to use choice instead of dainty?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When might delicate be a better fit than dainty?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would elegant be a good substitute for dainty?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When could exquisite be used to replace dainty?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

In what contexts can rare take the place of dainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

How is the word dainty different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dainty are choice, delicate, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is it sensible to use choice instead of dainty?

The synonyms choice and dainty are sometimes interchangeable, but choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

When might delicate be a better fit than dainty?

While the synonyms delicate and dainty are close in meaning, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would elegant be a good substitute for dainty?

The meanings of elegant and dainty largely overlap; however, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When could exquisite be used to replace dainty?

The words exquisite and dainty are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

In what contexts can rare take the place of dainty?

While in some cases nearly identical to dainty, 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 dainty
Adjective
The Lady in Silver Dress, whose dainty rosette touches and sheer organza layer will add whimsy to all your dinner parties from hereon out. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026 Despite its larger size, the swan is definitely dainty, with a balletic beauty fit for a swan—or a Midwest—princess. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 21 Nov. 2025 Tough going, but an experience to remember for a lifetime. Go flamingo-spotting in Mumbai Give Mumbai’s daintiest winter visitors a warm welcome from November to May, aboard a boat at Thane Creek, as the flamingos fly in for a pit-stop en route to Kutch in Gujarat. —Condé Nast Traveller, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Mar. 2025 One is a dog, one is a daintier version of Reynolds himself, one is a Lady Deadpool, and another is emblazoned with the green colors and red dragon of the Welsh flag. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 29 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
  1. nice
  2. elegant
  3. exquisite
  4. delicious
  5. treat
  6. delicate
  7. fine
  8. subtle
Adjective
  • Google's $499 Pixel 10a feels a whole lot nicer to use.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Phase One currently is centered on a music theater that (from the point of view of the city) is very much in the nice-to-have-but-fully-served-elsewhere category and on a hotel, which is more promising but still less beneficial when compared with housing.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of nice
Adjective
  • With its elegant styling, comfortable three-row layout and strong hybrid powertrain, the TX stands as a polished new flagship in Lexus’ SUV lineup.
    — Sponsored Content, Denver Post, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Onassis enlisted high society decorator Sister Parish to design the interiors, creating an elegant yet comfortable setting where the young political power couple entertained Washington insiders and journalists.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • There, seasonal bounty from Northern California’s Dry Creek Valley melds with Kyoto’s exquisite Kansai agricultural offerings.
    — Matt Bomer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
  • My table had Stephen Jones, the exquisite Francesca Hayward from the Royal Ballet, Lila Moss, and a few others, all conjuring up a flavor of those long-ago guests at a decadent bar.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • For dinner, return to Remington Hall or check out the restaurant’s more casual wing, The Lounge for a burger and beer—both with delicious dishes from Chef Marc Marrone.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Hearing there may be more options to choose from on his way home is a delicious thought.
    — Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of delicious
Noun
  • Head to any number of local gelaterie afterwards for a delicious and refreshing sweet treat.
    — Jenna Curcio, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Discounts are available on pet essentials like food, treats, toys, and furniture.
    — Jessica Moore, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of treat
Adjective
  • Let the delicate custard shine.
    — Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Furthermore, the data gathered by the device could be used to train humanoid robots to perform delicate tasks, such as surgery or complex manufacturing, by mimicking human finesse.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • The same year, Kwame Onwuachi set the stage for the explosion of Caribbean fine dining in New York City with Tatiana, his upscale restaurant at Lincoln Center.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Some timely goals and Swayman’s finest work of the season awaited them.
    — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Interestingly, the wristband could accurately predict a wide array of hand positions, from 26 letters of complex American Sign Language signs to the subtle grips required for holding scissors, a tennis ball, or a pencil.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Mouth breathers tend to carry their head forward to open the airway, a subtle shift that can become its own habitual pattern.
    — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of subtle

Browse Nearby Words

daintiness
dainty
dais
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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dainty

Nglish: Translation of dainty for Spanish Speakers

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