Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective indelicate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of indelicate are improper, indecorous, unbecoming, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When might improper be a better fit than indelicate?

The meanings of improper and indelicate largely overlap; however, improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

When can indecorous be used instead of indelicate?

In some situations, the words indecorous and indelicate are roughly equivalent. However, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

In what contexts can unbecoming take the place of indelicate?

While the synonyms unbecoming and indelicate are close in meaning, unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When is it sensible to use unseemly instead of indelicate?

The words unseemly and indelicate can be used in similar contexts, but unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

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 The pair also sparred on a more indelicate campaign trail moment. Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for indelicate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indelicate
Adjective
  • Mickey Rourke was removed from the Celebrity Big Brother UK house after further usage of inappropriate language.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Lewin has insisted there was nothing inappropriate about this visit.
    Nick Tabor, Curbed, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Instances of fraud and other types of improper payments at SSA—particularly in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance program—are modest compared with other federal agencies, per a Government Accountability Office report.
    Doug Criscitello, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Pakistani-Indian restaurant was issued a yellow placard for storing spoiled food and keeping food in improper containers.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hegseth’s indiscreet texts also pose serious intelligence risks.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2025
  • If this text had been received by someone hostile to American interests—or someone merely indiscreet, and with access to social media—the Houthis would have had time to prepare for what was meant to be a surprise attack on their strongholds.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 26 Mar. 2025
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
  • Following the accident, the driver, a 61-year-old woman, was cited with careless driving and cooperated with investigators at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • She was cited with careless driving, the sheriff’s office said.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ultimately, trying to peel Russia away from China is both imprudent and wrong.
    MICHAEL McFAUL, Foreign Affairs, 4 Apr. 2025
  • That’s imprudent, because the Arctic’s climate is changing more rapidly than anywhere on Earth.
    Paul Bierman, The Conversation, 19 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
  • Criticizing another nominee’s tactics is an inadvisable step for someone on the Oscar track; the act can come off as combative, and the Academy can penalize attacks against fellow contenders.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Indelicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indelicate. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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