delicacy

noun

ˈde-li-kə-sē How to pronounce delicacy (audio)
Definition of delicacynext
1
as in treat
something that is pleasing to eat because it is rare or a luxury presented with a plate of national delicacies while they waited for the queen

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2
as in fragility
the state or quality of having a delicate structure we never cease to marvel at the delicacy of a snowflake

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in daintiness
the tendency to be or state of being squeamish the urgent need for blood prompted many people to overcome their habitual delicacy and become first-time donors

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in precision
the quality or state of being very accurate the delicacy of the watch movement is incredible

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5
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor all of her life the shy poet gave the appearance of extreme delicacy

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6
as in sensitivity
the state or quality of being able to sense slight impressions or differences the delicacy of the sensor is such that it will be affected by the slightest vibration

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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 delicacy Classic banana delicacies like pudding, milkshakes and coffee drinks are available, as well as unique takes on cotton candy, cheesecake wontons and lemonade. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Gourmet food gifts have long been in vogue, and Quince makes the delicacy a bit more accessible. — Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Aug. 2026 There are few places that still serve this longtime Southern delicacy, so just the fact that Cracker Barrel keeps this on their menu is special. — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 12 Aug. 2026 Here, visitors can celebrate all forms of this beloved regional ingredient, including cooking demonstrations, sampling local delicacies, and purchasing white truffles directly from the trifulao, or truffle hunters, themselves. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for delicacy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for delicacy
  1. treat
  2. fragility
  3. daintiness
  4. precision
  5. weakness
  6. sensitivity
  7. fineness
  8. fastidiousness
Noun
  • The editors then serve up a tasty treat of a bunch of photos with Emily smack dab in the center, and cycle through them more quickly than Jenn’s boyfriend Ryan cycles through loud denim jackets.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Parton was working on a new Nashville museum and hotel, deals to endorse Purina dog treats and launch her Cup of Ambition coffee brand.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of treat
Noun
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history – as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth – will remain with me always.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history, as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth, will remain with me always.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragility
Noun
  • With a daintiness at odds with its 120 kilos, the bear extricates its wrist from the tie and calmly takes its leave.
    — Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of daintiness
Noun
  • Some help surgeons operate with greater precision, while others disinfect rooms, transport supplies, assist patients during rehabilitation, or provide comfort to people who are distressed.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Earl showed precision with both short and deep balls, like on successive 45-yard scoring tosses.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of precision
Noun
  • Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Summary Several investor rights firms are threatening class actions against into Suja Life after its stock plummeted following disappointing Q2 earnings and reduced guidance, attributed to grocery channel weakness.
    — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakness
Noun
  • Nonetheless, no agreements have been reached yet, partly because of the complexities of the issues surrounding AI, as well as sensitivities around how Hollywood talent and unions would react, the sources said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Besides a wide-field infrared camera that matches Hubble’s sensitivity but is 1,000 times faster, Roman holds an instrument to block out starlight.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • The fineness of the line between the two genres indicates that in her work overall, change is a matter of gradations.
    — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • My matzo balls took twice as long to cook according to her fineness in the video.
    — Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026
Definition of fineness
Noun
  • Bryant is a restrained writer, and the fastidiousness of his elastic text does little to allay those who are likely to become inflamed.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
  • More such fastidiousness will be needed to arrest the domino effect of delegitimization and to renew the small guarantees of truth and dignity in public life customarily provided by legacy institutions.
    — Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of fastidiousness

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delicacies
delicacy
delicate
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Cite this Entry

“Delicacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delicacy. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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