tightrope

noun

tight·​rope ˈtīt-ˌrōp 

1

: a rope or wire stretched taut for acrobats to perform on

2

: a dangerously precarious situation

—usually used in the phrase walk a tightrope

Examples of tightrope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the past week-plus, players and coaches have attempted to walk a tightrope in not making this subject a commentary on last season — none have said a negative word about Matt Nagy, who’s now calling plays for the New York Giants. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

Rookie lefty Tyler Samaniego walked the tightrope in a chaotic top of the eighth. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026

But in retrospect, the Bruins had spent weeks walking a tightrope and somehow finding their footing every time. —Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 1 June 2026

Kareem chased it down in the corner, did a bit of a tightrope act to stay inbounds, then turned around and drained it with near-perfect form. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tightrope

• downslope
• elope
• hillslope
• upslope
• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope

Kids Definition

tightrope

noun

tight·​rope -ˌrōp 

: a rope or wire stretched tight for acrobats to perform on