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Showing results for finesse. Search instead for rifenesse.
Definitions

finesse

[fi-ness] / fɪˈnɛss /
NOUN
know-how, maneuver
Synonyms
STRONGEST
acumen competence guile quickness savvy skill sophistication subtlety tact
STRONG
adeptness adroitness artfulness artifice bluff cleverness con craft craftiness cunning delicacy diplomacy discernment discretion feint gimmick polish racket ruse savoir-faire stratagem trick wile
WEAK
big stick grift runaround
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance inability incapability ineptness
STRONG
frankness honesty openness stupidity truthfulness
VERB
maneuver, manipulate
Synonyms
STRONG
angle bluff exploit jockey play rig wangle
WEAK
beguile finagle operate play games pull strings pull wires
Antonyms
WEAK
bobble mishandle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But what he might lack in rhetorical finesse, he more than has in job experience, as least as defined by Trump.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026

But this is a delicate business, and the administration tempts chaos unless it learns to exercise its power with a lot more finesse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

In their briefings, government lawyers finesse a sanitized version into a clean narrative of law-abiding responsibility.

From Slate • Feb. 18, 2026

Meanwhile, aerially, Zubimendi directs headers with a level of finesse, finding team-mates rather than simply looking to head the ball away.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

I guess he doesn’t believe I will Get It and sometimes I’m not so sure either but Mrs. Brook is confident so I’m going to keep working on my finesse.

From "Mockingbird" by Kathryn Erskine