tact

noun

ˈtakt How to pronounce tact (audio)
Definition of tactnext
as in diplomacy
the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them with supreme tact, Isabel suggested to her neighbor that her flower garden was probably not the best place for his dog to use as a bathroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tact different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tact are address, poise, and savoir faire. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

When could address be used to replace tact?

The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

Where would poise be a reasonable alternative to tact?

In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When might savoir faire be a better fit than tact?

The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

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 tact Hell hath no furry like a codependent dog owner, and interfacing with clients will surface many challenges, but Libras possess the diplomacy and tact necessary to handling both the pups and the humans worried about them. —Fran Tirado, Them, 18 Dec. 2024 Entering the second round of the 2025 PGA Championship, all players remained healthy and the field remained in tact. —Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 Back to third in the Premier goes Newcastle United, Champions League aims in tact. —Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025 This may be a function of his trademark persistence rather than of tact. —Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact
  1. diplomacy
  2. manners
  3. sensitivity
  4. gallantry
  5. consideration
Noun
  • But Kim’s renunciation of reunification and deepening ties with Russia limit expectations for diplomacy.
    — Ian Bremmer, Time, 3 June 2025
  • On foreign policy, Lee has not made any contentious remarks recently and has steadfastly vowed to pursue pragmatic diplomacy.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Definition of diplomacy
Noun
  • This is not so much a question of good manners as good visibility.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Minding your manners will make the trip better for everyone.
    — Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of manners
Noun
  • Still, 70% of our business has some degree of traffic sensitivity.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 May 2025
  • The band is asking for a heightened level of sensitivity.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • Written with filmmaker Matt Yoka, Possession marries the Band’s Americana with T. Rex’s fuzzy glam, anchored by Segall’s always-stellar guitar gallantry.
    — Dan Reilly, Vulture, 20 May 2025
  • His offense: saving the damned with the melancholic gallantry of a real angel of history.
    — Harmony Holiday, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of gallantry
Noun
  • There is also the consideration that some people may completely change their diet from omnivore to vegetarian or vegetarian to omnivore.
    — Patty Weasler, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025
  • However, there are some considerations: Some people may be allergic to zinc oxide.
    — Carley Millhone, Health, 5 June 2025
Definition of consideration

Browse Nearby Words

tacky
tact
tactful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tact. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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