finesse
extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.
skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management: exceptional diplomatic finesse.
a trick, artifice, or stratagem.
Bridge, Whist. an attempt to win a trick with a card while holding a higher card not in sequence with it, in the hope that the card or cards between will not be played.
to use finesse or artifice.
to make a finesse at cards.
to bring about by finesse or artifice.
to avoid; circumvent.
to make a finesse with (a card).
to force the playing of (a card) by a finesse.
Origin of finesse
1Other words for finesse
1, 2 | tact, diplomacy, savoir faire, circumspection, sensitivity, sensibility |
Words Nearby finesse
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use finesse in a sentence
He affected an anchorman finesse in apologizing for “past mistakes” as a Ku Klux Klan leader.
The best whiskies are made with finesse and the same attention to detail and mindfulness as the finest teas or sushi.
Watch Out, Scotland! Japanese Whisky Is on the Rise | Kayleigh Kulp | November 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTA lot of Republican candidates are trying to finesse the establishment-Tea Party Maginot Line and be both things to all people.
The Tea Party Is Dead? Nah, That’s Just a Flesh Wound | Michael Tomasky | May 20, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhereas the first three seasons were subtle, there is a decided lack of finesse here.
Phoenix conveys the ambiguities of his character with great finesse.
Cannes Diary: James Gray’s ‘The Immigrant,’ Starring Marion Cotillard, Shines | Richard Porton | May 25, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
The same game of finesse was played at his own table; for there De Patinos had for some time assumed an air of civility.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4 | Jane PorterYet the word vagrant is a misnomer in this city, where economy has reached a finesse that is marvelous.
The Real Latin Quarter | F. Berkeley SmithHis action was simply the action of a strong, business-like, and patriotic man, forgetful of finesse.
King Robert the Bruce | A. F. MurisonA servant full of finesse and irreproachable in appearance, he was of the greatest service to his master.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois ChristopheWith much finesse Duret showed this young woman the character of M. de la Baudraye in its true light.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois Christophe
British Dictionary definitions for finesse
/ (fɪˈnɛs) /
elegant skill in style or performance
subtlety and tact in handling difficult situations
bridge whist an attempt to win a trick when opponents hold a high card in the suit led by playing a lower card, hoping the opponent who has already played holds the missing card
a trick, artifice, or strategy
to manage or bring about with finesse
to play (a card) as a finesse
Origin of finesse
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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