as in inappropriate
showing poor judgment especially in personal relationships or social situations
the company considered his indelicate handling of such a personal matter to be unprofessional
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 indelicate
Clutch effort is Herculean, and shifting—like the recoil of a big-bore automatic handgun—is indelicate but infinitely satisfying.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
These nude illusions always look underwhelming, the shapes are indelicate, and the roots don’t blend with the geometric element.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024
Fisher, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $3 billion, is the quintessential member of the Lucky Sperm Club, not to be indelicate.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
All this may well be intended as tongue-in-cheek by the script, but Lynch’s indelicate handling arrives at something more subjugated by heavy-breathing clichés than ironically playful towards them.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for indelicate
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024
These nude illusions always look underwhelming, the shapes are indelicate, and the roots don’t blend with the geometric element.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024
Fisher, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes to be $3 billion, is the quintessential member of the Lucky Sperm Club, not to be indelicate.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
All this may well be intended as tongue-in-cheek by the script, but Lynch’s indelicate handling arrives at something more subjugated by heavy-breathing clichés than ironically playful towards them.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 26 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for indelicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indelicate
Adjective
-
Doing so discourages inappropriate behavior with clear sanctions that are duly communicated to the entire organization, while good behavior is rewarded.—
Susana Sierra,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Some praised the Hitch star for looking happy and returning to music, while others said that the onstage moment of attempting to kiss Martinez was inappropriate.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Like the House bill, its text has not yet been released. DEA hearings on the rescheduling proposal have been delayed by at least three months due to appeals from pro-reform witnesses claiming improper communications between the DEA and certain opponents.—
Dario Sabaghi,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
-
After reviewing body camera footage of the incident as part of its internal investigation, the department recommended that the officer receive a two-day suspension for the improper search allegation.—
Libor Jany,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee, has made some indiscreet utterances, though there is no compelling evidence of alcoholism as critics have alleged.—
George Liebmann,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Dec. 2024
-
Classical After a buzzing opening night complete with an indiscreet bait and switch—Josh Groban headlined after an ever-busy Cynthia Erivo had to withdraw—next up for the New York Philharmonic is a celebration of Afromodernism.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
11 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
On the dark side, Mercury in Sagittarius can be overly blunt and tactless in communication.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Rian Johnson’s intricate script thrived on detailed dissections of its rich and awful suspects, including plenty of pointed jabs at Hudson’s oblivious model and tactless brand ambassador — two titles Hudson herself has held.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
So maybe use the feelings aroused by your sister-in-law’s thoughtless, certainly injudicious, possibly naughty remark as an opportunity to rise above.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
22 Oct. 2024
-
What The Meng Episode Means (1): Is Huawei A Tool of The CCP? Meng’s release, and injudicious remarks, do not bode well for Huawei.—
George Calhoun,
Forbes,
27 Sep. 2021
Adjective
-
She was charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
On March 19, 2024, Huger was charged with a DUI and DWI on the counts of: negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Gabriela Silva,
TVLine,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
She was charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
28 Feb. 2025
-
On March 19, 2024, Huger was charged with a DUI and DWI on the counts of: negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Gabriela Silva,
TVLine,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
This inadvisable structure will cost city taxpayers an additional $2 billion over the next 30 years than otherwise would have been the case.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
-
The new headset brings key features like color passthrough and hand tracking to the lower $300 price point, rendering the older Quest 2 largely inadvisable.—
Brad Bourque,
WIRED,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indelicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indelicate. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share