delicate
1 of 2adjective
del·i·cate ˈde-li-kət 
1
: pleasing to the senses:
a
: generally pleasant
the climate's delicate, the air most sweet
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare b
: pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way
a delicate aroma
a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes
c
: marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions
a delicate floral print
an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare d
: marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture
a delicate tracery
a delicate lace
2
a
: marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination
delicate insights
a more delicate syntactic analysis R. H. Robins
R. H. Robins b
: fastidious, squeamish
a person of delicate tastes
3
a
: not robust in health or constitution : weak, sickly
had been considered a delicate child
b
: easily torn or damaged : fragile
delicate wine glasses
a delicate flower
the delicate chain of life
4
a
: requiring careful handling:
(1)
: easily unsettled or upset
a delicate balance
the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution New Yorker
New Yorker (2)
: requiring skill or tact
in a delicate position
delicate negotiations
a delicate operation
(3)
: involving matters of a deeply personal nature : sensitive
this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone Daphne Du Maurier
Daphne Du Maurier b
: marked by care, skill, or tact
her delicate handling of a difficult situation
5
: marked by great precision or sensitivity
a delicate instrument
delicately adverb
delicate
2 of 2noun
: something delicate —usually used in plural
washing delicates by hand
Synonyms
Adjective
- airy
- dainty
- exquisite
- nuanced
- refined
- subtle
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling. The fabric has a delicate floral print. We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows. The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings. the delicate flavor of the wine
Recent Examples on the Web Andrew Barker, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 The design element points up the delicate balance between Jeep's long heritage as a rugged off-road brand and the future demands for environmental sensitivity. Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 The one thing all chefs that are veterans of chiles en nogada season agree on is that the recipe calls for perseverance and requires attention to the delicate balance of flavors. Bill Esparza, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 And as the past couple of weeks have shown, there’s a delicate balance that cybersecurity providers can reach between free speech and censorship. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 The combination of pseudo-psychedelic paint and functional, dirt-ready upgrades required a delicate balance in execution. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 The combination creates a delicate balance for the first-year Gators coach, especially with backup Jack Miller III expected to miss at least two games following thumb surgery. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2022 However, in the medium-long term, key stakeholders must ensure that the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the managing of undesirable actions is carefully managed. Alex Tapscott, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2022 This requires a delicate balance between engaging smart, predictive technologies, such as ML and AI, and honoring the ethical standards that build trust between brands and customers. Erin Hutchinson, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 Lindsay Colameo, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The Zakat Foundation of America considers orphans up to 18 years of age to account for the delicate and day-to-day nature of young people unfortunately left to their own devices with often little to no resources to access. Rod Berger, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Unlike a sheet mask or a traditional skincare face mask, these patches are formulated specifically for your delicate under eyes to target eye-specific issues like fine lines and crow's feet. Jessica Teich, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2022 On the global stage, China has attempted to straddle a delicate, if impossible line, of upholding its values of national sovereignty while also not condemning Russia, a geopolitical partner, for the deadly invasion of Ukraine. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2022 They are infused with hyaluronic acid, caffeine and marshmallow extract, which help hydrate, depuff and soften the delicate under eye area. Nicole Saunders, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2021 Boyd suggests turning the item inside out, and agrees that using a mesh bag—which also comes in handy for washing delicates and lingerie—to protect from friction and snagging is best. Alexandra Ilyashov, Glamour, 7 Apr. 2020 The two steam levels, high for sturdy fabrics and low for delicates and the option to use it dry with no steam at all, helped it compete with the corded irons in our tests. Sarah Bogdan, Good Housekeeping, 15 Feb. 2019 Woolite is a home run, along with any other detergents geared toward delicates. Shelby Deering, Country Living, 7 Feb. 2020 See More
Adjective
Newcomer Gray does wonderfully in the role, keeping the character’s prickly edges and underlying vulnerability in delicate balance throughout, while tackling the performance scenes like a pro. Andrew Barker, Variety, 8 Sep. 2022 The design element points up the delicate balance between Jeep's long heritage as a rugged off-road brand and the future demands for environmental sensitivity. Peter Valdes-dapena, CNN, 8 Sep. 2022 The one thing all chefs that are veterans of chiles en nogada season agree on is that the recipe calls for perseverance and requires attention to the delicate balance of flavors. Bill Esparza, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 And as the past couple of weeks have shown, there’s a delicate balance that cybersecurity providers can reach between free speech and censorship. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2022 The combination of pseudo-psychedelic paint and functional, dirt-ready upgrades required a delicate balance in execution. Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2022 The combination creates a delicate balance for the first-year Gators coach, especially with backup Jack Miller III expected to miss at least two games following thumb surgery. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2022 However, in the medium-long term, key stakeholders must ensure that the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the managing of undesirable actions is carefully managed. Alex Tapscott, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2022 This requires a delicate balance between engaging smart, predictive technologies, such as ML and AI, and honoring the ethical standards that build trust between brands and customers. Erin Hutchinson, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 Noun
The formula combines CeraVe’s usual suspects (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide) with peptides and caffeine that firm and brighten skin around the delicate under eyes. Lindsay Colameo, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 The Zakat Foundation of America considers orphans up to 18 years of age to account for the delicate and day-to-day nature of young people unfortunately left to their own devices with often little to no resources to access. Rod Berger, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Unlike a sheet mask or a traditional skincare face mask, these patches are formulated specifically for your delicate under eyes to target eye-specific issues like fine lines and crow's feet. Jessica Teich, Good Housekeeping, 29 June 2022 On the global stage, China has attempted to straddle a delicate, if impossible line, of upholding its values of national sovereignty while also not condemning Russia, a geopolitical partner, for the deadly invasion of Ukraine. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2022 They are infused with hyaluronic acid, caffeine and marshmallow extract, which help hydrate, depuff and soften the delicate under eye area. Nicole Saunders, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2021 Boyd suggests turning the item inside out, and agrees that using a mesh bag—which also comes in handy for washing delicates and lingerie—to protect from friction and snagging is best. Alexandra Ilyashov, Glamour, 7 Apr. 2020 The two steam levels, high for sturdy fabrics and low for delicates and the option to use it dry with no steam at all, helped it compete with the corded irons in our tests. Sarah Bogdan, Good Housekeeping, 15 Feb. 2019 Woolite is a home run, along with any other detergents geared toward delicates. Shelby Deering, Country Living, 7 Feb. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective and Noun
Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
delicate
adjective
del·i·cate ˈde-li-kət
1
: pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a delicate flavor
2
: able to sense very small differences
a delicate instrument
3
: calling for skill and careful treatment
a delicate operation
4
: easily damaged
delicate flowers
5
: sickly sense 1
a delicate child
6
: requiring tact
a delicate subject
delicate
adjective
1
as in subtle
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a heavy sauce would spoil the delicate flavor of this fish Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- subtle
- exquisite
- elegant
- refined
- rare
- dainty
- nuanced
- airy
- supreme
- extraordinary
- fine
- fragile
- superior
- choice
- prime
- select
- selected
- transcendent
- peerless
- incomparable
- picked
- superlative
- unsurpassed
- frail
- preeminent
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- strong
- robust
- sturdy
- coarse
- rough
- crude
- common
- ordinary
- medium
- fair
- average
- indifferent
- mediocre
- middling
- run-of-the-mill
- second-rate
2
as in sensitive
able to sense slight impressions or differences only a person with delicate taste buds could tell the difference between these two wines Synonyms & Similar Words
- sensitive
- quick
- acute
- keen
- sharp
- fine
- subtle
- perceptive
- precise
- accurate
- piercing
- good
- sensible
- clear
- discerning
- receptive
- hypersensitive
- supersensitive
- oversensitive
- hair-trigger
- hyperacute
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- dull
- bad
- fading
- insensitive
- dulled
- deadened
- imprecise
- dead
- insensible
- imperceptive
- numb
- inaccurate
- dimmed
3
as in virtuoso
accomplished with trained ability the delicate handling of a difficult diplomatic situation Synonyms & Similar Words
- virtuoso
- skillful
- artistic
- smooth
- artful
- deft
- masterful
- dexterous
- adroit
- expert
- bravura
- masterly
- dextrous
- workmanlike
- practiced
- practised
- creative
- adept
- fancy
- adequate
- facile
- capable
- ingenious
- neat
- cunning
- clever
- competent
- able
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- artless
- crude
- awkward
- clumsy
- rude
- amateur
- amateurish
- unprofessional
- ineffective
- ineffectual
- unskillful
- incompetent
- klutzy
- inept
4
as in fragile
easily broken delicate glassware that must be carefully wrapped for shipping Synonyms & Similar Words
- fragile
- brittle
- frail
- breakable
- fine
- soft
- dainty
- weak
- frangible
- short
- gossamer
- tenuous
- feeble
- crisp
- flaky
- flimsy
- friable
- crispy
- slight
- shaky
- eggshell
- crumbly
- tender
- spindly
- shivery
- crushable
- infirm
- flakey
- inflexible
- inelastic
- stiff
- embrittled
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sturdy
- strong
- tough
- substantial
- compact
- solid
- rigid
- hard
- firm
- unyielding
- flexible
- supple
- resilient
- nonbreakable
- elastic
- unbreakable
- springy
- rubbery
- infrangible
- stretch
- rubberlike
- stretchable
5
as in frail
easily injured without careful handling the delicate ecosystem of the wetlands Synonyms & Similar Words
- fragile
- sensitive
- frail
- weak
- tender
- vulnerable
- soft
- brittle
- friable
- feeble
- breakable
- tenuous
- eggshell
- flimsy
- slight
- susceptible
- puny
- perishable
- yielding
- crushable
- frangible
- resistless
- unresistant
- nonhardy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- tough
- strong
- substantial
- robust
- sturdy
- solid
- hard
- durable
- sound
- rugged
- stiff
- hardy
- firm
- stout
- resistant
- flinty
- hardened
- tempered
- strengthened
- nonbreakable
- unbreakable
- infrangible
- toughened
- inured
6
as in careful
hard to please a person of delicate tastes Synonyms & Similar Words
- careful
- dainty
- finicky
- nice
- particular
- finicking
- demanding
- fastidious
- exacting
- meticulous
- fussy
- finical
- selective
- picky
- pernickety
- choosy
- persnickety
- fussbudgety
- choosey
- old-maidish
- critical
- discerning
- insightful
- painstaking
- discriminating
- knowledgeable
- punctilious
- scrupulous
- touchy
- captious
- overdemanding
- hypercritical
- overcritical
- prissy
- squeamish
- petulant
- hyperfastidious
- ultrafastidious
- faultfinding
- peevish
- caviling
- queasy
- prim
- carping
- prickly
- cavilling
- queazy
- niminy-piminy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unfussy
- loose
- undemanding
- flexible
- breezy
- relaxed
- affable
- carefree
- unfastidious
- lax
- lackadaisical
- lenient
- laid-back
- permissive
- low-pressure
- indiscriminating
- uncritical
- happy-go-lucky
- undiscriminating
- devil-may-care
7
as in elegant
having qualities that appeal to a refined taste delicate perfumes that only a connoisseur of scents would appreciate Synonyms & Similar Words
- elegant
- exquisite
- rare
- fine
- select
- special
- dainty
- exceptional
- excellent
- choice
- exclusive
- wonderful
- outstanding
- premium
- recherché
- classic
- fancy
- great
- superb
- better
- fabulous
- sterling
- bijou
- jewellike
- marvelous
- splendid
- terrific
- noble
- sensational
- elite
- stellar
- superior
- transcendent
- prime
- superlative
- high-grade
- top
- unsurpassed
- grand
- marvellous
- supernal
- par excellence
- first-rate
- top-notch
- tip-top
- first-class
- ultrarare
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- coarse
- rough
- vulgar
- gross
- commercial
- tasteless
- unrefined
- kitschy
- unpolished
- raffish
- uncultivated
- common
- ordinary
- popular
- lowbrow
- kitsch
- uncultured
- rough-hewn
- lesser
- average
- mediocre
- unsatisfactory
- inferior
- deficient
- unacceptable
- substandard
- mass-produced
- wanting
- run-of-the-mine
- run-of-the-mill
- low-grade
- second-rate
- run-of-mine
- second-class
8
as in weak
lacking bodily strength a delicate child who was never allowed to play sports Synonyms & Similar Words
- weak
- weakened
- frail
- feeble
- soft
- fragile
- faint
- tender
- softened
- disabled
- slight
- languid
- vulnerable
- enfeebled
- infirm
- wimpy
- unsubstantial
- debilitated
- low
- asthenic
- tired
- paralyzed
- exhausted
- effete
- injured
- prostrate
- wasted
- prostrated
- sapped
- wimpish
- incapacitated
- enervated
- weary
- challenged
- damaged
- drained
- rocky
- down-and-out
- breakable
- decrepit
- hurt
- invalid
- unsteady
- flimsy
- impaired
- susceptible
- powerless
- dizzy
- woozy
- impotent
- harmed
- lame
- yielding
- broken-down
- groggy
- flagging
- resistless
- unsound
- worn-out
- unresistant
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- powerful
- strong
- rugged
- mighty
- robust
- muscular
- sinewy
- sturdy
- stout
- tough
- beefy
- hard
- athletic
- brawny
- virile
- hardy
- stalwart
- vigorous
- fit
- husky
- strapping
- lusty
- hardened
- energetic
- healthy
- capable
- sound
- fortified
- strengthened
- toughened
- competent
- vitalized
- energized
- hale
- recovering
- able-bodied
- red-blooded
- inured
- invigorated
- recuperating
- convalescing
9
as in fine
made or done with extreme care and accuracy delicate measurements of brain tumors that are only possible using the latest medical technology Synonyms & Similar Words
- subtle
- fine
- nice
- nuanced
- exact
- refined
- meticulous
- minute
- finespun
- trivial
- exacting
- hairline
- petty
- hairsplitting
- particular
- demanding
- insignificant
- trifling
- frivolous
- finicky
- quibbling
- negligible
- inconsiderable
- inconsequential
- fussy
- fastidious
- nitpicking
- finicking
- picky
- piddling
- finical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- coarse
- rough
- clear
- transparent
- plain
- inexact
- broad
- obvious
- evident
- apparent
- unmistakable
- unambiguous
- palpable
- unequivocal
- manifest
- perspicuous
- patent
- careless
- sloppy
- indefinite
- clear-cut
- open-and-shut
- slipshod
- incautious
- heedless
- slapdash
10
as in precise
meeting the highest standard of accuracy extremely delicate instruments such as an atomic clock Synonyms & Similar Words
- precise
- accurate
- mathematical
- fine
- careful
- rigorous
- refined
- close
- pinpoint
- exact
- correct
- subtle
- strict
- hairline
- spot-on
- meticulous
- definite
- definitive
- finicky
- fastidious
- right
- true
- nice
- finical
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- coarse
- rough
- inaccurate
- round
- loose
- wrong
- approximate
- imprecise
- false
- incorrect
- careless
- inexact
- vague
- questionable
- unclear
- doubtful
- indefinite
- dubious
- unreliable
- untrue
- untrustworthy
11
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect a delicate breeze was floating in from the open window Synonyms & Similar Words
- gentle
- soothing
- soft
- mellow
- mild
- light
- tender
- benign
- smooth
- bland
- quiet
- serene
- calm
- tranquil
- peaceful
- balmy
- compassionate
- nonabrasive
- softening
- pacific
- placid
- sleek
- easy
- lenient
- clement
- merciful
- slick
- cushioning
- emollient
- buffering
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- powerful
- exquisite
- coarse
- hard
- caustic
- harsh
- intense
- rough
- abrasive
- severe
- stern
- fierce
- strong
- forceful
- scathing
- violent
- savage
- forcible
- ungentle
- rugged
- irritating
- roughened
- stiff
- grim
- gruff
- rude
- oppressive
- pitiless
- roughening
- tyrannical
- abrading
- heavy-handed
- tyrannic
12
as in difficult
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling the delicate challenge of inviting two people who don't like each other to the same party Synonyms & Similar Words
- sensitive
- difficult
- tough
- complicated
- problematic
- thorny
- touchy
- sticky
- complex
- tricky
- intricate
- problematical
- knotty
- spiny
- ticklish
- hairy
- problem
- serious
- hard
- tricksy
- prickly
- nasty
- painful
- catchy
- dodgy
- troublesome
- recondite
- abstract
- abstruse
- involved
- vexing
- stubborn
- worrisome
- vexatious
- scabrous
- demanding
- exacting
- troublous
- stressful
- burdensome
- onerous
- inconvenient
- exhausting
- oppressive
- importunate
- discommoding
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- simple
- uncomplicated
- straightforward
- easy
- effortless
- undemanding
- painless
- unproblematic
- manageable
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of delicate are choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.
delicate craftsmanship
The words choice and delicate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.
choice fabric
While the synonyms dainty and delicate are close in meaning, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.
dainty sandwiches
Although the words elegant and delicate have much in common, elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.
a sumptuous but elegant dining room
The synonyms exquisite and delicate are sometimes interchangeable, but exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.
an exquisite gold bracelet
The meanings of rare and delicate largely overlap; however, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.
rare beauty
- rhetoric
- rhetorical
- rhetorical accent
- rhetorical question
- rhetorical syllogism
- rhetorically
- rhetoricalness
- rhetoricate
- rhetorician
- rhetoricians
- rhetorics
- rhetorise
- rhetorised
- rhetorises
- rhetorising
- rhetorize
- rhetorized
- rhetorizes
- rhetorizing
- rhetors
- rheum
- rheumatic
- rheumatic fever
- rheumatical
- rheumatically