Definition of fragilenext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragile are brittle, crisp, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

In what contexts can brittle take the place of fragile?

The words brittle and fragile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is it sensible to use crisp instead of fragile?

Although the words crisp and fragile have much in common, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

Where would frangible be a reasonable alternative to fragile?

The words frangible and fragile can be used in similar contexts, but frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When would friable be a good substitute for fragile?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragile, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

Example 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 fragile Washington and Tehran have repeatedly accused each other of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 These weapons leak toxic chemicals into fragile ecosystems and abruptly disrupt critical coastal infrastructure projects. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026 Delicate Embellishments Those beautifully delicate items covered in sequins, beading, or fragile embroidery can be destroyed in the washing machine, especially if they are glued on instead of sewn. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The earthquakes disrupted that narrative and exposed how fragile the democratic transition remains, says Leonardo Vivas, a Venezuelan sociologist at Lesley University in Boston. Tibisay Zea, Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • The chips beneath were noticeably thin, delicate but sturdy enough to retain their crunch.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The war remains in a delicate ceasefire while both sides attempt to broker a permanent peace deal.
    Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Rescuers then wait intently for any indication of life, using sensitive microphones or telescopic cameras or simply pressing an ear against the rubble, hoping to detect a voice, a knock or the faintest movement.
    Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • So far, the administration has sued multiple states unsuccessfully in attempts to obtain sensitive voter-roll data to run through a federal database known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, or SAVE, program.
    Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • In contrast, instruments on the FireSat satellites will be able to detect small brush and roadside fires 16 feet across.
    Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • At the Cannes Film Festival in May, the model Toni Garrn made a striking appearance in a blue-black bustier dress embroidered with small petals.
    Amy Verner, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe that's why, in a moment when the country feels eggshell brittle, riding has become such an essential outlet for me—a way to turn my rage into forward motion.
    Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
  • Containment actions should be proportional, reversible where possible and informed by multiple signals rather than a single brittle heuristic.
    Abhik Biswas, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • The law had said medically frail people include those who have substance use disorders, disabilities or serious medical conditions.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
  • Roosevelt credits that experience with transforming him from a frail, nearsighted youth into a rugged individual who years later would become the 26th president and a pioneering conservationist.
    Joe Yogerst, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • With ultra-slim Republican margins in the House and Senate, Congress is having a tough time doing just the basics of legislating, let alone passing controversial legislation.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • For example, slim velvet hangers save room on the rod and help slippery items stay put.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • If public-key cryptography becomes breakable, attackers can impersonate services, weaken the handshakes that set up secure sessions and forge signatures that make malicious code look legitimate.
    Kumar Mehta, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • In order to become an official Guinness World Records title holder, records must be measurable, breakable, standardizable, verifiable, and substantially different from any other current record, according to the Guinness World Records website.
    Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sooryavanshi missed his first two balls and got off the mark with a sketchy inside edge that pinged past his off stump.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • If your student has an off-campus job or a position that requires them to work odd hours, a car might be worth the expense and hassle.
    Chris Teague, AJC.com, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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