Meaning & use

Delicate

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Fine or fragile in texture or structure, or requiring careful, sensitive handling.

See it in a sentence

The vase was too delicate to ship without extra padding.

Negotiating the merger required a delicate touch.

A note on using this word

Can describe physical fragility, subtlety of flavor or design, or the tact needed in sensitive situations.

Words with a similar meaning

fragilefinesensitive

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Requiring tact or careful handling because of its sensitive nature.

It was a delicate subject to bring up at dinner.

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