View synonyms for

finesse

[ fi-ness ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

extreme delicacy or subtlety in action, performance, skill, discrimination, taste, etc.
Synonyms: , , , ,
skill in handling a difficult or highly sensitive situation; adroit and artful management:
exceptional diplomatic finesse.
Synonyms: , , , ,
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.

verb (used without object)

finessed, finessing.

to use finesse or artifice.
to make a finesse at cards.

verb (used with object)

finessed, finessing.

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.

finesse

/ ��ɪˈ��ɛ�� /

noun

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

verb

to manage or bring about with finesse
to play (a card) as a finesse

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of finesse¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English: “degree of excellence or purity,” from Middle French, from fin fine ¹ + -esse -ice

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of finesse¹

C15: from Old French, from fin fine, delicate; see fine ¹

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The administration tried to finesse it by saying that war plans aren't classified, which is pathetic, but they managed to quiet the calls for Hegseth to resign.

From

The deadpan humor and psychological peril of it all is handled with prickly finesse for a good while, even as the darkness begins to set in on their desires and dreams.

From

Many California hotels have finessed the issue by restricting children’s access without banning them.

From

Shaw's goals, both excellently taken finishes which showed off a mix of power and finesse of which she is uniquely capable in the WSL, demonstrated just how much her side have missed her.

From

�� did that require of you, in terms of connecting with them and figuring out how to direct them in these moments where it maybe required a little bit more finesse?

From

Related Words

finespun finest

Browse