fragile

adjective

ˈfra-jəl How to pronounce fragile (audio)
Definition of fragilenext
1
as in delicate
easily broken attaching the beautiful but fragile ornaments to the Christmas tree is always a touchy operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling babies are fragile, so remember to care for them gently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in small
small in degree a fragile possibility that we might emerge from this fiasco unscathed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The more Macdonald resists mythologizing or summing up, the more John Lennon and Yoko Ono emerge as fragile, complex individuals on a journey together during uncertain times. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025 The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that started as President Donald Trump took office collapsed last month when Israel re-launched its military operations and US and Israeli officials accused Hamas of rejecting a deal to extend it, which Hamas denied. —Alex Marquardt, CNN Money, 10 Apr. 2025 How does the fragile terrain impact the Pac-12’s pursuit of the media rights deal required for the summer of 2026 and beyond? —Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025 Tagovailoa is still trending upwards from a developmental standpoint, but needs to shed his fragile reputation. —Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
  1. delicate
  2. sensitive
  3. small
  4. brittle
  5. frail
  6. slim
  7. breakable
  8. off
Adjective
  • Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.
    — Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • For those with sensitive skin, this formula is fragrance-, paraben-, and dye-free.
    — Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Historically, he's been sensitive to them, but his focus seems more on pushing his agenda than chasing approval numbers.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • In 2022, a consortium of private retirement-plan providers announced a collaboration to boost the portability of small retirement accounts.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The space consists of two levels—one for dancing and one for dining at small cocktail tables.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of small
Adjective
  • Osteoporosis causes the bones to become incredibly brittle.
    — Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • If polyethylene and polypropylene aren’t completely separated during recycling, the resulting mix can be brittle and generally unusable for creating new products.
    — Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • This was the spring of 2020, however, and the impossibilities of international travel, and my dad’s frail health, delayed the journey.
    — Eliza Griswold, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The op-ed also followed Biden's frail performance against President Donald Trump in the June 27 presidential debate.
    — Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of frail
Adjective
  • Which is why, day after day, the deeply faithful and the merely curious alike assemble before St. Peter's to stare at that slim chimney.
    — Marco della Cava, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • As is common for ultraportables, the port selection is slim but capable.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • As Traders ‘Sell America’ A bicycle suitable for everyday use in Sub-Saharan African or South America must be tough and have as few breakable parts as possible.
    — Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • At South Korea’s main international hub, Incheon International Airport, localizers were housed in structures made from easily breakable materials and thus not considered a safety risk, officials said.
    — River Akira Davis, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Definition of breakable
Adjective
  • Last-minute fixes were still being made, and some Cubs players trickled into the clubhouse to put stuff in their lockers or work out on their off day.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Stewart’s on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but his motor doesn’t have an off switch.
    — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of off

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fracturing
fragile
fragility
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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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