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 Yet Americans are more anxious, more medicated, and more emotionally fragile than ever. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025 Medicaid cuts would force provider agencies to reduce hours, lay off staff, or close entirely — collapsing the fragile support systems people with disabilities depend on. —Joseph MacBeth, Sun Sentinel, 21 May 2025 Quartz’s Shannon Carroll has more on Americans’ fragile faith in their financial futures. —Quartz Staff, Quartz, 19 May 2025 Some of those gardeners at the sale may begin their patchwork right after Mother’s Day, but that plan can backfire when a cold front moves in, like what is happening this week, and frost can nip those fragile young seedlings. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 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
  • The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.
    — Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.
    — Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    — Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
  • The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.
    — Madison Yauger, People.com, 30 May 2025
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Ellie finds a small fishing boat to take her across the water to the aquarium.
    — Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 26 May 2025
  • To meet rising demand, companies sprang up and began churning out rides – smaller versions for traveling carnivals and larger ones for town squares and amusement parks.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 26 May 2025
Definition of small
Adjective
  • Trump’s approach appeared to be built on an assumption that China’s economy was brittle, and Beijing would buckle under pressure.
    — Ryan Hass, Time, 30 May 2025
  • In more recent editions, the bedrock was described as brittle by many experienced climbers and mountain guides.
    — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • There are numerous exemptions, such as pregnant women, caregivers, the medically frail, and others.
    — Anthony Digiorgio, Oc Register, 20 May 2025
  • The book describes an alarmed crowd at the fundraiser ‒ which featured Biden, former President Barack Obama and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel on stage ‒ over Biden's apparent diminishment, frail presentation and meandering answers to mostly soft-ball questions from Kimmel.
    — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 15 May 2025
Definition of frail
Adjective
  • Veliz turns 22 in September, and the chances of him becoming a success at Spurs feel slim.
    — Jay Harris, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The bill faced opposition from fiscal conservatives but ultimately passed in the House last week and is now before the Senate, where Republicans also hold a slim majority.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 29 May 2025
Definition of slim
Adjective
  • Accidents in which planes hit breakable structures at the end of runways have tended not to be deadly: In October 2022, a Korean Air plane skidded off a runway in the Philippines amid heavy rain and collided with a metal structure.
    — Grace Moon, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • Secure hazards like electrical cords that curious cats and dogs might want to chew, and store fragile, breakable items out of reach where they can’t be knocked over.
    — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Definition of breakable
Adjective
  • But the Lions scored three times in the top of the third off USD starter Cal Scolari.
    — Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • As the Cubs, winners in seven of their last nine, head into an off day Thursday, here are three takeaways from their second straight series victory.
    — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Definition of off

Browse Nearby Words

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 3 Jun. 2025.

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