tenderness
noun
ten·der·ness
ˈten-dər-nəs 
: a tender quality or condition: such as
a
: gentleness and affection
His voice quavered with tenderness.—
Joyce Carol Oates
Joyce Carol Oates
b
: the quality of being succulent and easily chewed
How you carve the meat enhances the tenderness and juiciness of each portion.—Kemp Minifie
Kemp Minifie
c
: sensitivity to touch or palpation
They found a small increased risk of reactions such as redness, swelling, and/or tenderness at the injection site …—The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical AssociationExamples of tenderness in a Sentence
volunteers at the shelter tended to all the animals in their care with great tenderness
Recent Examples on the Web
Rogen is the ensemble’s MVP, finding an unexpected tenderness as a man trying to endure the night’s overwhelming discomfort without revealing any of his insecurities.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Elordi brings unexpected tenderness and discipline under Guillermo del Toro’s direction, earning his first nomination and a Critics Choice win.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.
—Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
As Pluto continues its work in Aquarius, reshaping collective systems and futures, Venus in Pisces reminds us that revolution without tenderness is unsustainable.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
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.
Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 14 Feb. 2026
Elordi brings unexpected tenderness and discipline under Guillermo del Toro’s direction, earning his first nomination and a Critics Choice win.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Feb. 2026
This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts—adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way.
—Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Feb. 2026
As Pluto continues its work in Aquarius, reshaping collective systems and futures, Venus in Pisces reminds us that revolution without tenderness is unsustainable.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tenderness
Cite this Entry
“Tenderness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenderness. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
