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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragile are brittle, crisp, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

In what contexts can brittle take the place of fragile?

The words brittle and fragile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is it sensible to use crisp instead of fragile?

Although the words crisp and fragile have much in common, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

Where would frangible be a reasonable alternative to fragile?

The words frangible and fragile can be used in similar contexts, but frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When would friable be a good substitute for fragile?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragile, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fragile This year is no different, with dangerous bills flying under the radar that would further shred the state’s fragile growth-management controls, and budget proposals that fail to honor voter mandates and leadership’s pledges to fund environmental priorities. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2025 Their reasons are understandable; fragile infrastructure, inconsistent regulation, corruption, conflict, and volatile currencies have made long-term investments risky. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Over half of these children live in fragile settings, including countries facing conflict or instability — environments where access to basic health services is often disrupted. Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 Together these missions have let planetary scientists like me study pristine, fragile carbonaceous material from asteroids. Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • The scoop neckline and shoulders also featured some delicate gold hardware to keep things, relatively, safe.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 May 2025
  • The necklace is made of high-quality sterling silver that is plated in a delicate rose rhodium.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • Companies frequently suffer data breaches, leaking large amounts of sensitive information.
    Vytautas Kaziukonis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Although set in the small city, the movie was reportedly filmed in several locations in Louisiana.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • As fall approached, I was sent from the station to put out a small lightning fire several miles from my tower.
    Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Osteoporosis causes the bones to become incredibly brittle.
    Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • If polyethylene and polypropylene aren’t completely separated during recycling, the resulting mix can be brittle and generally unusable for creating new products.
    Alex Jordan, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • With this, Trump is offering Putin a frail fig leaf of respectability.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
  • And about one-quarter of all Medicaid benefits, more than $200 billion, goes to long-term care for about 9 million frail older adults and people with disabilities.
    Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The industry also took some assurance from the fact that film and series, much like big tech, represent one of the United States’ strongest trade surpluses, because of how much more Hollywood blockbusters bring in from abroad compared to foreign content’s slim earnings within the United States.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
  • Optimism should be high in Los Angeles but given James’ age and the delicacy of Doncic’s contact situation, the margin for error going forward is slim.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • As Traders ‘Sell America’ A bicycle suitable for everyday use in Sub-Saharan African or South America must be tough and have as few breakable parts as possible.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • At South Korea’s main international hub, Incheon International Airport, localizers were housed in structures made from easily breakable materials and thus not considered a safety risk, officials said.
    River Akira Davis, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Except the Giants did it without an off day, on both sides of the country, and against contending teams.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That was enough for the Cavaliers to overcome an off day from All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who totaled just 13 points on 4-of-14 shooting from the field and 3-of-8 shooting on threes.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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