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Showing results for delicate. Search instead for delikat.
Definitions

delicate

[del-i-kit] / ˈdɛl ɪ kɪt /
ADJECTIVE
dainty, weak
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicious delightful elegant exquisite fragile gentle graceful mild rare soft subtle tender
WEAK
aerial balmy breakable choice delectable ethereal faint filmy fine fine-grained finespun flimsy fracturable frail frangible gauzy gossamery hairline muted nice pale pastel recherché select shatterable shattery slight subdued superior
Antonyms
STRONGEST
callous crude firm hard harsh healthy horrible loud ordinary rough strong tough ugly unpleasant violent
WEAK
coarse healthful heavy imprecise indelicate indiscriminating inelegant insensitive robust uncareful uncritical unscrupulous
ADJECTIVE
sickly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fragile slender tender
WEAK
ailing debilitated decrepit feeble flimsy frail infirm shatterable shattery slight susceptible unhealthy weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
tough
WEAK
coarse harsh healthful healthy heavy imprecise indelicate indiscriminating inelegant insensitive robust rough strong uncareful uncritical unscrupulous
ADJECTIVE
fussy, discriminating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
critical gentle refined sensitive
WEAK
alert careful dainty fastidious finical finicking finicky nice particular persnickety prudish pure scrupulous squeamish thin-skinned
Antonyms
WEAK
coarse harsh healthful healthy heavy imprecise indelicate indiscriminating inelegant insensitive robust rough strong uncareful uncritical unscrupulous
ADJECTIVE
difficult, sticky (situation)
Synonyms
STRONGEST
critical precarious sensitive ticklish touchy tricky unpredictable volatile
WEAK
hair-trigger uncertain
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm easy firm stable
WEAK
coarse harsh healthful healthy heavy imprecise indelicate indiscriminating inelegant insensitive robust rough strong uncareful uncritical unscrupulous
ADJECTIVE
careful, tactful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
deft detailed precise sensitive
WEAK
accurate adept cautious considerate diplomatic discreet expert foresighted heedful masterly minute politic proficient prudent skilled tactical wary
Antonyms
WEAK
coarse harsh healthful healthy heavy imprecise indelicate indiscriminating inelegant insensitive robust rough strong uncareful uncritical unscrupulous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, with a delicate touch and the flag on the far side of the green, his near 30-yard effort was perfection, taking a bounce on the putting surface before rolling straight into the cup.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

With G&T, dinners showcase Dorset’s homegrown ingredients at their best: delicate hand-dived scallops from Lyme Bay, organic salads scattered with edible flowers, puddings as light as cherry blossoms.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Together with a delegation of deeply mistrusting negotiators from Tehran, Vance is tasked with striking a lasting peace between rival nations that have failed to keep promises made days ago in a delicate last-minute ceasefire.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

However, there are many reasons for caution about the economic impact at this delicate moment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“I think they like us,” Pita said, smiling and sitting as motionless as humanly possible, trying her best not to disturb the delicate butterflies.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Vocabulary lists containing delicate

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