tightrope

noun

tight·​rope ˈtīt-ˌrōp How to pronounce tightrope (audio)
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
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It was all conducted on a coaching tightrope, because Hurtt emphasized that maintaining Bernard’s confidence is essential. Zach Berman, New York Times, 24 June 2026 At times, walking the tightrope between being a journalist and a participant was complicated. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 23 June 2026 Against this backdrop, the Labour Party has walked a tightrope since being elected in 2024. ABC News, 21 June 2026 But make no mistake, the AI revolution has executives walking a tightrope. Samantha Gloede, Fortune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tightrope

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tightrope was in 1801

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Cite this Entry

“Tightrope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tightrope. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

tightrope

noun
tight·​rope -ˌrōp How to pronounce tightrope (audio)
: a rope or wire stretched tight for acrobats to perform on

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