TACT Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

tact

noun

ˈtakt

Definition of tact next

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

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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

Examples 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 The orchestra never quite matched her tact, though, with general ensemble shagginess and a few abrasive solo features. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024 Alcaraz broke early again in the second set and left Djokovic in the unusual position of looking vulnerable in a major final, of being forced to find solutions, of needing to change tact to thwart his imperious opponent. —

Aimee Lewis, CNN, 14 July 2024 The former president in his past campaigns demonstrated an aggressive campaign style, shouting over both his opponents and moderators and disrupting any strategy Democrats had coming into the forum, a tact he's anticipated to continue this year regardless of the rules. —

Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 15 May 2024 Successful art works sense their audience’s aches and respond with exquisite tact. —

Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for tact

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tact

Noun

Victory for Blinken One clear result of U.S. diplomacy was Israel’s decision — for now — to try to avoid further escalation with Iran by limiting its airstrikes.

Andrea Mitchell, NBC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Passed in 2004, the legislation created the Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues, a Senate confirmed position of ambassador rank tasked with prioritizing the human rights issues in broader U.S. diplomacy with North Korea.

Olivia Enos, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024