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dainty

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noun

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

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
From smaller, daintier hair ties suited for collarbone-length hair to big hair bows that still manage to be lightweight, these scrunchies are easy to put on and even easier to style. Michelle Rostamian, Allure, 1 Feb. 2024 Prada’s lace version is delightfully dainty, especially when styled alongside metallic evening sandals from Zara and Loewe’s sequined tote. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 June 2023 The late America Eats Tavern is recalled with dishes including the country’s daintiest chicken wings. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 May 2023 But for me, it’s been very classy, very dainty, and polite. Breanna Bell, Variety, 10 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for dainty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dainty
Adjective
  • Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025
  • It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 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
  • The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This small deciduous tree's exquisite blossoms show up before the leaves each year.
    Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Bryson DeChambeau DeChambeau does little wrong, and he’s been exquisite in every facet this week.
    Bennett Conlin, Baltimore Sun, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 50 mins Servings: 4 Jump to Nutrition Facts Mix up your weeknight menu with this delicious copycat chicken recipe.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Spring Café For healthier–yet still delicious—fare, head to Spring Café for lunch.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Therefore, summertime is an excellent season for visiting beachside resorts and indulging in treats for the body, mind, and soul.
    Robin Raven, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The celebration on the infield was a rare treat for a Sox team that needs to learn how to win.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 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
Adjective
  • Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.
    David Thomas Tao, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • If sports betting is not his jam, that’s just fine, too.
    David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Here, the power lies in subtle luxury—heritage made tangible.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dainty. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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