finesse 1 of 2

noun

fə-ˈnes How to pronounce finesse (audio)
Definition of finessenext
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

finesse

2 of 2

verb

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 finesse
Noun
And its deft balance between free-wheeling improvisations and stop-on-a-dime dynamic precision, fire and finesse, never fails to impress. — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 But Garvey, who started with the Dodgers in 1969, said weather is just one of many factors that have led to more home runs in today’s game, which has abandoned finesse in favor of brute force. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
Verb
Repossi finessed the rose gold used in its latest spiraling Blast high jewelry pieces, playing up its yellow gleam under a gradient of orange gemstones. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026 The immaculate lineup of laminated pastries, like a pandan cream croissant, is similarly finessed. — Allecia Vermillion, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
  1. ability
  2. negotiate
  3. evade
  4. talent
  5. manipulate
  6. avoid
  7. prowess
  8. maneuver
Noun
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • The Warriors will likely ask Lendeborg to defend multiple positions during the regular season, and those block were an encouraging sign of his ability to do just that.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of ability
Verb
  • The market is oversaturated, and Riley is a genius for not only recognizing that but realizing that all of these new DJs are going to need lawyers to negotiate their contracts.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
  • The decision, which was widely anticipated, does not end the pact immediately, but rather kicks off a decade-long annual review process for the three countries to negotiate on the treaty until the USMCA officially expires in 2036.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of negotiate
Verb
  • The suspect, 30‑year‑old Trevion Mark of Fort Worth, was arrested nearby without incident and charged with reckless endangerment and evading arrest in a motor vehicle, according to DPS.
    — Doug Myers, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Mark was charged with reckless endangerment and evading arrest in a motor vehicle and booked into the Tarrant County Jail.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Definition of evade
Noun
  • The Clippers acquired George because of his All-Star two-way talent and because Leonard’s arrival hinged on George’s presence.
    — Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • In any business, the rise of fame and talent comes with rabid fans who may sometimes cross the line.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of talent
Verb
  • Prosecutors detailed at least four games in which the defendants are alleged to have schemed to have Beasley manipulate individual game stats for the benefit of gamblers.
    — Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Among the schemes cited by officials was ATM jackpotting, a technically sophisticated form of theft in which criminals manipulate ATMs through malware, network intrusion or physical tampering to trigger unauthorized cash withdrawals.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
Definition of manipulate
Verb
  • Other methods to reduce the harm from sweltering temperatures include more breaks and flexible shifts so workers can avoid the midday sun, according to the WHO.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • While the morning may feel personal — especially if someone questions your judgment, appearance or direction — avoid treating their feedback (or silence) as rejection.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
Definition of avoid
Noun
  • Born Joseph Frank Keaton, the actor was a star of vaudeville and early film, known for his prowess at physical comedy and stunt work.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • SpaceX, his rocket company, has made genuine progress in aerospace, and their rocket-launching prowess has allowed Musk to create Starlink, the satellite company.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
Definition of prowess
Verb
  • Djokovic was imperious against Tsitsipas, and should be able to maneuver Rinderknech around despite his booming serve and all-attack game.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026
  • Human bodies were like animals’ The few medical instruments of the revolutionary era were heavy in the hand, awkward in use and imprecise to maneuver.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of maneuver

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finesse
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Cite this Entry

“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of finesse for Spanish Speakers

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