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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 Antiques made from fragile materials like wood, textile, porcelain, or paper can easily deteriorate if not properly cared for. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 But Lafosse doesn’t linger on the sociology of the situation and instead emphasizes how secrets and lies fray this fragile family’s cohesion. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025 Every false certainty erodes the trust that holds the fragile bridge between patients and their doctors. Dr. Craig Spencer, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 The fragile diplomatic engagement, however, stopped short of settling enrichment disputes, a concern shared by Western powers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran dismissed. MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • But their insect-like movements hint at a future where fleets of miniature robots could glide across water, performing tasks once too dangerous or delicate for humans.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Silver’s delivery is, possibly, more delicate than mine will be.
    Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Windows 11 Pro gives you BitLocker encryption, Smart App Control, and biometric login support to help safeguard sensitive information.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Phishing scams often use convincing logos and language to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Out-of-state travel that year, though, saw a small decrease compared to 2023.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Ohio State University, which enrolls the most international students in Ohio, reported a 37% drop in first-year international students and a slightly smaller number of total international students this year.
    David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Agapanthus roots are fleshy and somewhat brittle.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Hidden behind a large flowerpot with a single withered flower, the windows are covered over by a grayish-yellow curtain, brittle with lager fumes.
    Zuzana Říhová, Literary Hub, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Today’s over-85 cohort may also be frailer and sicker than the oldest-old were 30 years ago, Gill added, because contemporary medicine can keep people alive longer.
    Paula Span, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Streep wore a vinyl trench coat from the SS25 runway collection, with a lamé animalier shirt, slim-fit trousers, a leopard print belt, a leopard print faux fur Marlene clutch and green pumps.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Usimad Mesh Pointed-Toe Mule Heels My best guess for Kidman’s shoes are a brown pointed-toe heeled mule with a slim instep strap.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Use foam sheets or acid-free tissue to wrap breakable items, such as ceramic dinnerware made from bone china, porcelain, mirrors, or lamps.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Bruce Willis is the train-wreck survivor turned reluctant, quasi-immortal hero, while Samuel L. Jackson stuns as the totally breakable bad-guy mastermind.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Anderson has been responsible for some of the greatest ones of the 21st century, and even his off titles are pretty good, which makes ranking his work a particular challenge.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
  • But even in his off hours, Boose is still working.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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