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Definitions

finesse

[fi-ness] / fɪˈnɛss /
NOUN
know-how, maneuver
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acumen competence guile quickness savvy skill sophistication subtlety tact
STRONG
adeptness adroitness artfulness artifice bluff cleverness con craft craftiness cunning delicacy diplomacy discernment discretion feint gimmick polish racket ruse savoir-faire stratagem trick wile
WEAK
big stick grift runaround
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability incapability ineptness
STRONG
frankness honesty openness stupidity truthfulness
VERB
maneuver, manipulate
Synonyms
STRONG
angle bluff exploit jockey play rig wangle
WEAK
beguile finagle operate play games pull strings pull wires
Antonyms
WEAK
bobble mishandle

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.

In their briefings, government lawyers finesse a sanitized version into a clean narrative of law-abiding responsibility.

From Slate • Feb. 18, 2026

Now Paul Weiss has an Epstein issue to finesse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Brooks points out that one way high-tech promoters finesse their exaggerated promises is through subtle redefinition.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

Winter salads demand a little more finesse than their warm-weather counterparts, but the effort is worth it.

From Salon • Dec. 16, 2025

With the finesse of a mortician, 1 would lead mourners to the grave.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.