Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

Traditional chemical approaches are not always compatible with delicate peptide drugs, and many enzymes previously thought useful required additional sequences to function.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

There was never any evidence he could manage any kind of peace negotiation, especially one as delicate as this.

From Salon • Apr. 27, 2026

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said it would "not have been appropriate to provide a running commentary on the investigation at such a delicate stage until all enquiries had been completed".

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

Determining how much didactic information is insightful and sufficient, and how much constitutes excessive artsplaining, is a delicate, ongoing challenge for museums.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Griffins had always been delicate; they’d always been rare, for thousands of years.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Vocabulary lists containing delicate

The Diary of Anne Frank

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Maus I: My Father Bleeds History

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Bridge to Terabithia

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!