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an elegant hotel
a luxurious hotel
a stylish hotel
an exquisite hotel
an exclusive hotel
elegant clothes
fancy clothes
glamorous clothes
classy clothes
graceful clothes
exquisite clothes
elegant prose
eloquent prose
beautiful prose
lovely prose

Synonym Chooser

How is the word elegant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of elegant are choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.

a sumptuous but elegant dining room

When is it sensible to use choice instead of elegant?

In some situations, the words choice and elegant are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.

choice fabric

Where would dainty be a reasonable alternative to elegant?

Although the words dainty and elegant have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.

dainty sandwiches

When is delicate a more appropriate choice than elegant?

The meanings of delicate and elegant largely overlap; however, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.

delicate craftsmanship

When would exquisite be a good substitute for elegant?

While in some cases nearly identical to elegant, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.

an exquisite gold bracelet

When might rare be a better fit than elegant?

While the synonyms rare and elegant are close in meaning, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.

rare beauty

Examples 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 elegant Like the Lange 1, this watch combines platinum with the black dial for a truly elegant and quiet experience on the wrist. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2024 But most are just as business-oriented, and none have struck me as elegant a tool as Glide. Ars Technica, 26 Dec. 2024 Among the city’s newest restaurants, Lola Rose Grand Mezze offers elegant and distinctive Middle Eastern dishes in a choose-your-own-adventure format. Freda Moon, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 This textural updo functions as an elegant addition while keeping the hair out of Cleveland’s face. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for elegant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elegant
Adjective
  • The graceful oscillations of manta fins propagate waves that move outward from the ray’s body and create vortices that spiral, pushing water backward and producing forward thrust.
    Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Chakrabarti says Singh was one of India's most graceful prime ministers.
    Sushmita Pathak, NPR, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • One excellent way for a quiet watch to express its prowess is to expose an exquisite movement on the back of the watch.
    Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2024
  • These discoveries revealed an incredible complex civilization that predates the Incas by 800 years, yet capable of producing the most exquisite gold and silver jewels.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • That red brick facade and handsome shutters hold timeless charm, but the city condo has even more delights inside.
    Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
  • Bridget Jones's Diary Nothing beats ringing in the new year like embarrassing yourself in front of a handsome bachelor — even if that bachelor is the one wearing an ugly reindeer sweater.
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The rediscovery sparked an immediate call to action, as conservationists and government officials recognized the importance of safeguarding this rare and iconic species.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
  • Meanwhile, Stan Edgar stands up to Homelander in a rare verbal drubbing that shows the only way to one-up the psychotic Supe is through words.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Lite for $300: This is a perfectly fine budget scooter best for folks under 200 pounds.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 29 Dec. 2024
  • For example, this option, step one of the brand’s three-part regimen, is suitable for fine, natural hair experiencing light thinning.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Walgreens lists some of its pharmacies as closed on New Year's Day, except for 24-hour locations and other select pharmacies.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 31 Dec. 2024
  • He’s been spectacular on a few select nights to bump them into the win column but mostly labored as the Warriors’ offense has cratered.
    Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near elegant

Cite this Entry

“Elegant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elegant. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on elegant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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