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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 That’s part of life, and there are a lot of fragile emotions. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025 The structure’s semi-domes are attached to the main one by fragile joints. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025 Not with tariffs in the way They might be made of the hardest material on earth, but diamonds, with their complex supply chains and expensive price tag, are particularly fragile to U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff agenda. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 28 May 2025 Listen to this article TAN TAN, Morocco — The U.S. military is backing off its usual talk of good governance and countering insurgencies’ underlying causes, instead leaning into a message that its fragile allies in Africa must be ready to stand more on their own. Sam Metz, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.
    Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The lightweight formula is fragrance-free — ideal for sensitive skin — and doubles as a primer thanks to its matte finish.
    Madison Yauger, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • These searches help keep digital communications and sensitive information safe.
    Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Farmers watered their crops less, and saw smaller harvests as a result.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2025
  • Yes, Georgia and Paul split this season as the blowback from the trial — and Paul's support of Proposition 38, disastrous for small businesses — imperiled his mayoral career.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Trump’s approach appeared to be built on an assumption that China’s economy was brittle, and Beijing would buckle under pressure.
    Ryan Hass, Time, 30 May 2025
  • In more recent editions, the bedrock was described as brittle by many experienced climbers and mountain guides.
    David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The actor, to whom the film is dedicated, returns for one brief scene, looking very frail and obviously ill.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
  • In rare cases, salmonella can result in more serious illness and can be fatal in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
    Lucia I Suarez Sang, CBS News, 4 May 2025
Adjective
  • The bill faced opposition from fiscal conservatives but ultimately passed in the House last week and is now before the Senate, where Republicans also hold a slim majority.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 29 May 2025
  • Don’t let its slim, 5-pound design fool you — this lightweight vacuum is equipped with three suction modes that can tackle floor-to-ceiling messes for up to 65 minutes, according to the brand.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Secure hazards like electrical cords that curious cats and dogs might want to chew, and store fragile, breakable items out of reach where they can’t be knocked over.
    Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • Accidents in which planes hit breakable structures at the end of runways have tended not to be deadly: In October 2022, a Korean Air plane skidded off a runway in the Philippines amid heavy rain and collided with a metal structure.
    Grace Moon, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • For those who aren’t seeking beach time, the island also was praised for offering historic sites, golf courses and other off-shore activities.
    Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
  • After an off day Thursday, the Arizona Diamondbacks come to GABP for three games.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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