as in fragile
lacking strength, permanence, or resilience
The countries formed a tenuous political alliance. The moon has a tenuous atmosphere that frequently fluctuates in thickness.
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Recent Examples of tenuous
Our lives are a tenuous balance between living in the world—embracing it—and living in fear of its lethality and indifference.
—
Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Kiir and Machar had served in a unity government as part of a peace deal that ended the civil war, but their partnership remained tenuous and sporadic violence has continued between the two sides.
—CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The agreement comes at a tenuous time for PBS Kids, whose programming is not immune to recent government funding cuts to the public broadcaster.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Challenges for youth and higher education Much of Musk’s framing leans on a tenuous claim that universities and campus environments contribute to ideological radicalization.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenuous
Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
Kiir and Machar had served in a unity government as part of a peace deal that ended the civil war, but their partnership remained tenuous and sporadic violence has continued between the two sides.
—CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The agreement comes at a tenuous time for PBS Kids, whose programming is not immune to recent government funding cuts to the public broadcaster.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
Challenges for youth and higher education Much of Musk’s framing leans on a tenuous claim that universities and campus environments contribute to ideological radicalization.
—Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenuous
Adjective
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If even a crude silent gesture has drawn constitutional protection, fragile egos don’t justify a gag.—
Eric Preven,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
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The current reliance on a nearly 30-year-old spacecraft highlights just how fragile our space weather monitoring network has become.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The night’s slight chill is perfect for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon by an indoor fireplace or outdoor firepit.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Julie McNamara is back developing series for CBS Studios — with one slight difference.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenuous. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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