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

As a City Council member, Raman, whose previous campaigns were backed by Democratic Socialists of America Los Angeles, has sometimes walked a political tightrope, exasperating her progressive base on issues like policing. —Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026

The whole club is effectively walking on a tightrope without a safety net. —Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026

Newsom has walked a tightrope with AI — trying to protect the burgeoning industry while dealing with widespread public opinion polling calling for regulations on AI, even if development slows. —Kate Wolffe february 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026

House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk is trying her best to walk this tightrope without recognizing that the effort is destined to fail. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 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