exquisite 1 of 2

1
2
3

exquisite

2 of 2

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
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
Noun
Gol and Brazil are also trying to promote tourism in the Amazon, known for its vast rain forests, indigenous communities, biodiversity and exquisite cuisines. Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for exquisite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exquisite
Adjective
  • Early Friday morning, intense rain caused flash flooding across Texas Hill Country.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • There were several safety cars during the race, along with changing conditions with periods of intense rain followed by a drying track.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • For the rest of her styling, Gomez wore a black gown with velvet bow detailing and an elegant French bob, proving that lilac goes with pretty much anything.
    Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 30 June 2025
  • Rivers in Ecuador, India, and Canada provide the settings for this elegant travelogue, which asks whether a natural entity, such as a river, can be regarded as a living thing.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
    Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Edwards clearly is a devoted Spielberg fan, embedding subtle homages throughout, notably in the open water sequences that recall Jaws.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Like all flash floods, this record-breaking water swell resulted from a large amount of rain that drenched one area over a relatively short amount of time.
    Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 7 July 2025
  • Motel Breakfast is changing the menu a bit on its new standalone single, letting bass groves and synth swells take the spotlight, and embracing elements of The Cure, for what slowly builds to become one of its most satisfying and catchiest songs yet.
    Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Designed to withstand intensive training, Lacoste’s abrasion-resistant piqué fabric is made with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology for more breathable wear.
    Lauren Alexis Fisher, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
  • Oftentimes, enrolling in an intensive language program qualifies someone for a student visa, depending on the requirements of that country (more on that later).
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
  • Though very unlikely, prolonged sitting also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a rare and potentially serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The designer’s use of color is also about delicate balances.
    Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 30 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exquisite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/exquisite. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on exquisite

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!