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

Pakistan is walking a tightrope as the Iran war intensifies, with that balance growing more precarious with each passing day. —Kyra Colah, FOXNews.com, 23 Mar. 2026

There’s the tightrope Lucas walked so well between building this season around seniors like Reneau and Donaldson and tomorrow around players like freshmen Henderson and Allen. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026

Will Smith’s ability to navigate Team USA’s relievers through some tightrope acts, plus his remarkably better line so far this WBC, gives him the start again behind the plate. —Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, May walks a dramatic tightrope as the Type-A bridezilla trying to appear cool with the dynamic, despite the awkward circumstances. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 17 Mar. 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