tact

noun

ˈtakt How to pronounce tact (audio)
Definition of tactnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 There can be passion here, but without patience and emotional tact, Cancer will inevitably feel rushed, dismissed and repeatedly hurt by Aries’ lack of a filter. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Following in the tire marks of the F40 was no easy task, so the 1995 Ferrari F50 took a slightly different tact. — Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 28 May 2026 Kindness, restraint, tact and emotional intelligence will, on the odd occasion, outprioritize full transparency. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 Just’s management of materials, with its discomfort around homosexuality, makes straightening look like editorial tact. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tact
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact
  1. diplomacy
  2. manners
  3. sensitivity
  4. gallantry
  5. consideration
Noun
  • Eligible for a maximum of two four-year terms, the president implements policies within the framework set out by the supreme leader and spearheads Iran’s diplomacy.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The man in Hermes sneakers took a different approach to diplomacy.
    — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Definition of diplomacy
Noun
  • The Colorado attorney general oversees more than 700 attorneys and staff and manages legal manners spanning consumer protection, civil rights, criminal, water, constitutional and environmental law.
    — Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The causes and manners of death for all six victims will not be officially determined until toxicology testing and the investigation are complete, Rabbitt said.
    — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 26 June 2026
Definition of manners
Noun
  • In addition to tilt and pressure sensitivity, the Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze and delete functions to the palette, along with a new barrel roll gesture and haptic vibrational feedback.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
  • As the intuitive Moon enters your 7th House of Partnership, your sensitivity to commitments heightens and clear expectations matter more than charm.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • During the reception, Princess Kate shared an emotional moment with Tony Gledhill, a former Metropolitan Police officer who received the George Cross for gallantry in 1966.
    — Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • In 2020, Magawa received the PDSA Dickin medal for gallantry, which recognizes heroism in animals.
    — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2026
Definition of gallantry
Noun
  • Trump taking the country to war with Iran, in part at the urging of his pal Bibi — without any sensible plan, debate, sanction from Congress or consideration as to how this might hurt Americans already struggling to make ends meet.
    — Maureen Dowd, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
  • By eliminating your class and your ethnicity, your natural talents and weaknesses, from consideration, the veil reminds you that those traits are beyond your control, making fairness an incentive.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of consideration

Browse Nearby Words

tacky
tact
tactful
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tact. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tact

Nglish: Translation of tact for Spanish Speakers

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