exquisite

American  

[ik-skwiz-it, ek-skwi-zit] / ɪkˈskwɪz ɪt, ˈɛk skwɪ zɪt /

adjective

1. of special beauty or charm, or rare and appealing excellence, as a face, a flower, coloring, music, or poetry.

   Synonyms:

   elegant, beautiful, dainty

   Antonyms:

   inelegant, graceless

2. extraordinarily fine or admirable; consummate.

   exquisite weather.

   Synonyms:

   matchless, rare

   Antonyms:

   ordinary

3. intense; acute, or keen, as pleasure or pain.

   Synonyms:

   poignant

   Antonyms:

   dull

4. of rare excellence of production or execution, as works of art or workmanship.

   the exquisite statues of the Renaissance.

   Synonyms:

   precious, choice, select

5. keenly or delicately sensitive or responsive.

   an exquisite ear for music; an exquisite sensibility.

6. of particular refinement or elegance, as taste, manners, etc., or persons.

   Synonyms:

   discriminating

7. carefully sought out, chosen, ascertained, devised, etc.

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noun

1. Archaic. a person, especially a man, who is excessively concerned about clothes, grooming, etc.; dandy; coxcomb.

exquisite British  

/ ɪkˈskwɪzɪt, ˈɛkskwɪzɪt /

adjective

1. possessing qualities of unusual delicacy and fine craftsmanship

   jewels in an exquisite setting

2. extremely beautiful and pleasing

   an exquisite face

3. outstanding or excellent

   an exquisite victory

4. sensitive; discriminating

   exquisite taste

5. fastidious and refined

6. intense or sharp in feeling

   exquisite pleasure

   exquisite pain

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noun

1. obsolete a dandy

Pronunciation

The pronunciation of exquisite has undergone a rapid change from to , with stress shifting to the second syllable. The newer pronunciation is still criticized by some, but is now more common in both the U.S. and England, and many younger educated speakers are not even aware of the older one. See harass.

Related Words

See delicate. See fine ¹

Other Word Forms

• exquisitely adverb
• exquisiteness noun
• overexquisite adjective
• superexquisite adjective
• superexquisiteness noun

Etymology

Origin of exquisite

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin exquīsītus “meticulous, chosen with care,” originally past participle of exquīrere “to ask about, examine,” equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -quīrere , combining form of quaerere “to seek”

Explanation

Use exquisite to mean finely or delicately made or done. When you say someone has exquisite taste, you mean that they are able to make fine distinctions. Exquisite describes something that is lovely, beautiful, or excellent. Exquisite pain or agony is very sharp and intense. Exquisite is from Middle English exquisit, from Latin exquisitus, from exquirere "to search out."

Example Sentences

Upon entering the property, guests are greeted with an exquisite foyer, which is highlighted by an elegant white staircase.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

She was named player of the match when England won Euro 2022 having set-up Ella Toone's opening goal in the final with an exquisite pass.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

There may be "exquisite unique hypersonic capabilities or other bespoke systems that could be used against specific targets," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“We used more exquisite standoff munitions at the start, but no longer need to,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

The cuisine is exquisite regardless of the number of guests.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

Related Words

• admirable
• charming
• delicate
• delicious
• elegant
• ethereal
• impeccable
• lovely
• meticulous
• perfect
• polished
• precise
• rare
• refined
• splendid
• striking
• subtle
• superb