tightrope

noun

tight·​rope ˈtīt-ˌrōp How to pronounce tightrope (audio)
1
: a rope or wire stretched taut for acrobats to perform on
2
: a dangerously precarious situation
—usually used in the phrase walk a tightrope

Examples of tightrope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s tightrope walk atop the central bank will get even dicier on Wednesday afternoon. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 July 2026 For the past 18 months, soaring brisket and rib prices have forced Pig-Sty BBQ in Boynton Beach to walk a pricing tightrope, covering expenses without scaring away customers. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 Pulling off a successful live-action remake has been a tightrope walk for the Mouse House in recent years. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 11 July 2026 At the center of it all, Harry has to walk the tightrope and keep them all together. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tightrope

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tightrope was in 1801

Rhymes for tightrope

See All Rhymes for tightrope

Browse Nearby Words

tightness
tightrope
tights
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tightrope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tightrope. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tightrope

noun
tight·​rope -ˌrōp How to pronounce tightrope (audio)
: a rope or wire stretched tight for acrobats to perform on

More from Merriam-Webster on tightrope

Nglish: Translation of tightrope for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tightrope

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