TACT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'tact' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tact are address , poise , and savoir faire . While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate. // questions showing a lack of tact

Q: When could 'address' be used to replace 'tact'?

The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends. // brought it off with remarkable address

Q: Where would 'poise' be a reasonable alternative to 'tact'?

In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations. // answered the accusations with unruffled poise

Q: When might 'savoir faire' be a better fit than 'tact'?

The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient. // the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

tact

noun

ˈtakt

Definition of tact next

as in diplomacy

the ability to deal with others in touchy situations without offending them with supreme tact, Isabel suggested to her neighbor that her flower garden was probably not the best place for his dog to use as a bathroom

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How is the word tact different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tact are address, poise, and savoir faire. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

When could address be used to replace tact?

The synonyms address and tact are sometimes interchangeable, but address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

Where would poise be a reasonable alternative to tact?

In some situations, the words poise and tact are roughly equivalent. However, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When might savoir faire be a better fit than tact?

The words savoir faire and tact are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

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 tact Driving a wedge between the new axis of evil will require a foreign policy employing precision, tact, trust, stability, and cooperation. —

Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024 Keep your drinks chilled and your wallet in tact this holiday season with RTIC Outdoors. —

Daniel Donabedian, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 In the quest to find the perfect match, many people lose their tact. —

Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2024 Professionalism, on the other hand, requires tact and discernment. —

Sarat Chakravarthi, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact

Noun

The process not only disrupted international climate diplomacy but also damaged the U.S.'s credibility on the world stage, sending a signal of unpredictability and retreat from global leadership at a critical moment in the climate crisis.

— Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025
Uncertainty about Trump’s policies is prompting both China and Japan to seek a stable relationship, said Taizo Miyagi, an expert on Japanese diplomacy at Chuo University in Tokyo.

— Ken Moritsugu, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025