Definition of fragilenext
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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 At its visitor center near Praia do Boldró, travelers can learn about the marine life and the fragile ecosystem that make the island so unique. Carla Vianna, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025 And while senators appear to be inching toward a deal this week, the progress is fragile and a breakthrough far from certain. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025 The movie builds admirably to these moments, where the euphoria of fragile belonging is front and center. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 By replacing fragile polymer membranes with strong, affordable diaphragms, Jiao’s team has provided a practical path forward for scaling up carbon conversion systems. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • Lily Allen strikes a pose in a delicate lace outfit on the carpet at 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The idea worked on paper, but in practice, the alignment was extremely delicate, and the overall setup became unstable and hard to scale.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.
    Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The founders argue that automation should be accessible to smaller operators, including neighborhood bars and private event spaces.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Historically, a spoonful of cod liver oil was administered to treat children with rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that results in brittle bones.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The product can damage wool fibers and leave them brittle.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • With elderly patients, particularly those who are cognitively impaired and frail, that can be challenging.
    Neil Gaffin, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025
  • However, the bacteria can cause serious, potentially fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, who both stand alone as the only squads in their division with winning records, every other divisional leader holds only a slim edge over rivals in hot pursuit.
    Mike Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Carpenter went in the opposite direction with a slim satin stiletto from Pedro García.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s the travel wrap that doubles as a blanket for the cabin; the perfectly sized weekender bag that can be used to house gifts too breakable to check with your luggage; the sleek shoes that slip off easily at security and are ready to go for a just-off-the-flight lunch date.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025
  • The glass used to make Christmas lights is also fragile and breakable, so handle your lights with care and replace the string if even one bulb breaks.
    Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Other Republicans say the criticism of the party’s performance is overkill, noting that the major elections of the evening took place in blue-leaning states during an off-year election.
    Julia Manchester, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Superstar Victor Wembanyama had an off night, scoring just nine points to go with nine rebounds and four blocks.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.

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