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

But in a political era in which traditional midterm strategies may be less effective, Texas candidates are walking a tightrope. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2026

Frohnmaier, who has also made multiple trips to Russia, has walked a careful tightrope in his foreign policy role – courting MAGA Republicans at the same time as establishing ties with Kremlin insiders. — Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2026

Eiffela Broken Dream splits the Eiffel Tower into two sections, with a cable stretched between them for a tightrope crossing. — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Ultimately, Asia’s middle powers will have to continue walking the tightrope between the two global superpowers. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 21 Aug. 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