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 Spring onions, onions that have been harvested before the bulb has had a chance to swell, are a bit more fragile than adult onion varieties. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 16 July 2025 Once upon a time, video cameras were both huge and fragile. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025 What should be a straightforward deployment becomes a complex web of point-to-point connections, making enterprise-wide AI adoption slow, expensive, and fragile. —Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 One bull takes a chance and runs towards the fence, a fragile 6-foot-tall barrier that separates the crowd from these 2,000 pound monsters. —Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 11 July 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
  • Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Businesses cannot process sensitive data without obtaining consumer consent.
    — Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • There are some intense scenes During The Fantastic Four: First Steps, there are some intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger (or more sensitive) viewers.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and garlic and mix well.
    — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Beyond providing an invitation for music-curious Austinites to come explore the clubs, the festival offers a lifeline to musicians and venues during the slow summer season, when small clubs that support emerging artists face some of their greatest challenges.
    — Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Definition of small
Adjective
  • This synergy transforms dry, brittle hair into something visibly healthier and more luminous with each use.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Selenium: Excess selenium may cause symptoms like a metallic taste, hair loss, brittle nails, nausea, and nerve damage.
    — Patricia Weiser, Verywell Health, 23 July 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
    — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, as well as those with a weakened immune system.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Definition of frail
Adjective
  • Johnson has become the regular defensive replacement for Sheets in left field, primarily late in games the Padres lead by a slim margin.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 July 2025
  • Investors know that distributors usually have slim margins; hence their stocks are cheap.
    — John Dorfman, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • Put away any fragile or breakable items in hard-to-reach areas, and secure cabinets.
    — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • Depending on your budget, this may mean only hiring movers to take care of a small portion of your more breakable, bulky or precious items, while teaming up with friends or family to take care of the rest.
    — Talia Wexler, CNBC, 4 July 2025
Definition of breakable
Adjective
  • Avoid wrapping leftover cut lemons in aluminum foil, which can react with the acidity in the fruit, causing an off flavor.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
    — John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 2 Aug. 2025.

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