as in ability
mental skill or quickness
maneuvered his opponent into checkmate with his customary finesse
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to negotiate
to plan out usually with subtle skill or care
had to finesse the schedule a bit to fit in another patient that afternoon
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to evade
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery
tried to finesse the blame for the foreign policy fiasco, even though he was secretary of state at the time
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Recent Examples of finesse
Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Those eyes can be handsome or a bit crazed, and Hodge plays the wide range of his character's emotions with sensitivity and finesse.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024
This is a paradox best finessed by those, like Jones, who consider their true residence the theatre, where bodies must project by any means necessary.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finesse 
Noun
Ipswich congested the midfield well (particularly in the first half), meaning United’s attempts to play two-touch, pass-and-move football lacked finesse.
—Carl Anka, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024
Those eyes can be handsome or a bit crazed, and Hodge plays the wide range of his character's emotions with sensitivity and finesse.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
Sam and Kyle are finessing it, building connection, making their way slowly but steadily.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2024
This is a paradox best finessed by those, like Jones, who consider their true residence the theatre, where bodies must project by any means necessary.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
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Just like cisgender athletes, trans athlete’s abilities vary.Taylor Romine, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
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Luck’s ability to energize athletes, fans, and donors could play a large part in that process.Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Forum helps match clients with tutors who fit their needs, handles payments, negotiates rates for each tutor and markets them.Emma Whitford, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
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Thousands of Amazon workers at the company's first-ever unionized warehouse voted to authorize a strike on Friday, claiming the tech giant has refused to recognize the union and negotiate a contract at the New York City facility.Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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These malicious programs leverage artificial intelligence to adapt and evade traditional security measures.John Chirillo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Aaron Taylor-Johnson is finding new ways to evade questions regarding those James Bond casting rumors.Tommy McArdle, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
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With national fundraising prowess and access to high-level tools and infrastructure, the DNC is best suited to provide the necessary behind-the-scenes resources local parties need.Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
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Andrews' professional prowess was recognized in 2022 when she was honored with the Pat Summerall Award, a prestigious accolade named after the late sportscaster Pat Summerall.Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But all of that changed starting in 2017, when Mr. Trump became president amid the F.B.I. investigation into Russia’s covert attempt to manipulate the 2016 election and the nature of the ties between his campaign and Moscow.Charlie Savage, New York Times, 15 Dec. 2024
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Symbolic capitalists—academics, commentators, lawyers, consultants—manipulate words or data rather than making things with their hands.Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
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His practice also appeals to those looking to avoid the pitfalls of standard, reactionary medical treatments in favor of more natural, preventive options.William Mullane, Austin American-Statesman, 14 Dec. 2024
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The bottom line is that these are common mistakes in the business grant application process that can easily be avoided.Melissa Houston, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The complaint represents a significant step forward in the efforts by some unscripted talent to unionize.Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024
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Your talent, brilliance and tireless work ethic, too.Dr. Eric George, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
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While Hollywood attempts to navigate the new Trump administration, Emanuel appears to be well positioned to maneuver through the next four years.Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024
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The Ministry shared footage of the new weapon in action on X and Telegram, showcasing it maneuvering and firing rounds at targets in a field.Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near finesse
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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