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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of finesse
The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
While that gizmo promised that just two sharp cracks from a pair of human hands could turn any electronic device on or off, sonogenetics requires significantly more finesse.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Noun
Few manage to design and book high-end active trips with more finesse than the Canadian, herself an avid sportswoman.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
While that gizmo promised that just two sharp cracks from a pair of human hands could turn any electronic device on or off, sonogenetics requires significantly more finesse.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
Trump has a rare and underestimated talent for finessing these internal fissures.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
The director also finessed Hollywood.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finesse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finesse
Noun
-
Is there a better gift to future generations than the ability to see the universe, dream and be inspired again?—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Maxey and George have had to carry almost all of Philadelphia’s offensive responsibility, and the 76ers desperately need Embiid’s ability to create offense and gravity in half-court situations.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Despite attempts to negotiate the Strait of Hormuz’s reopening during an ongoing ceasefire, the narrow waterway remains shut to virtually all ship traffic.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Olthof Homes successfully challenged a $100,000 penalty levied by the town in the Indiana Court of Appeals, so a lower fine was negotiated between the two parties.—
Amy Lavalley,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Kelsy dispossessed San Diego in its defensive third, cut back to evade a defender at the edge of the penalty area, and skipped a shot inside the near post to give the Timbers (3-5-1) a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Garcia sprinted off exiting through a side entrance and evaded authorities until cops nabbed him on March 25, 2026.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Many of DeCosta’s peers revere his talent-evaluation skills, roster-building approach and intensity.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Hamilton, who graduated in 2001 and played 10 years in the NHL with Chicago, Toronto and Carolina, has been developing amateur talent as co-owner of the Connecticut Junior Rangers.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But there is a point where the prediction shapes and manipulates the actual outcome.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Bronze Age symbolizes a time of change Bronze, a raw material, was skillfully manipulated to create objects that not only carried weight but also meaning.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Players and coaches have become maddeningly mealy-mouthed, striving to avoid upsetting agents, sponsors, owners, fans, thin-skinned politicians, and whoever else might object.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who sits on the Housing and Homelessness Committee, said Friday the recommendations are intended to better align the city’s homelessness response with local needs while avoiding service disruptions and improving long-term coordination.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
For King Charles, the trip will be a test of his diplomatic prowess.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
-
There were no lies told about this team’s postseason prowess.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The drone can be seen intercepting a low-flying Ka-52, maneuvering towards its port weapon pylon before the footage dramatically cuts.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Nail artists don’t use actual watercolors, of course, but the technique required to create this look is not far from how a painter maneuvers their brush on a canvas.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finesse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finesse. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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