Definitions

tact

[takt] / tækt /

NOUN

finesse, thoughtfulness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

common-sense discretion prudence refinement sensitivity subtlety

STRONG

acumen acuteness address adroitness amenity aptness care consideration control courtesy delicacy diplomacy discernment discrimination gallantry head intelligence judgment penetration perception perspicacity poise policy presence repose skill smoothness suavity tactfulness understanding urbanity

WEAK

delicatesse good taste horse sense politicness savoir faire

Antonyms

STRONGEST

carelessness

STRONG

agitation bad manners disregard ignorance impoliteness inability ineptness neglect negligence omission rudeness stupidity thoughtlessness upset

WEAK

indiscretion tactlessness

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.

Leo XIV tossed away the diplomatic tact usually required of popes as he began a state visit to Spain on Saturday, revealing that his footballing loyalties lie with Real Madrid.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

Ms. Arno treats the affair with tact, showing how persecution and paranoia can become entangled without becoming identical.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Navigating that kind of rupture would take poise, flexibility, and tact.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Edwards-Jones’ journalism background shows up — it’s well researched and presented with tact.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

He had proved himself brilliantly under pressure, and he concluded the briefing with an inspiring peroration that every instinct told him was a masterful exhibition of eloquent tact and subtlety.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing tact

Common Senses: Tact, Tang ("Touch")

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"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak, Part Nine

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The Odyssey

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