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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 The 27-member bloc has to hammer out key aspects of its framework, and the fragile trade truce between two of the world’s largest economies could quickly break apart if sentiment turns against the arrangement. David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 July 2025 That trust is already fragile, and the process by which this change is being pushed forward only weakens it further. Julia Richman, Denver Post, 28 July 2025 The liberal international order’s authority was already fragile before Trump returned to the Oval Office. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025 During the chandelier's cleaning process, the office said workers wear gloves to minimize human contact and ensure its integrity is not jeopardized because it is made up of soft and fragile materials. Keelin Fisher, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Exercising sound discretion while remaining faithful to the grantor’s wishes is a delicate balancing act that requires insight and judgment.
    Royce Ramey, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Federated Learning: This privacy-preserving technique allows AI models to learn from decentralized data across games and platforms without compromising user privacy, enhancing moderation without centralizing sensitive data.
    Anees Ali Khan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Not all acres are equal, of course, but there are myriad existing laws to protect areas that are sensitive for ecological, cultural, or other good reasons.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Their overall role is still small but significantly elevated when viewed as part of the non-carbon share.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • His music is treasured by a small but intensely dedicated fanbase that includes more than a few rock legends who came up alongside and after him.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the summertime, higher temperatures and exposure to the elements can leave hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage.
    Bianca Salonga, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Adding to Taiwan’s energy insecurity is the fact that its power grid, while cost-effective, is also brittle.
    Jim Ellis, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Healthy aging and walking Whether or not an older adult is frail, mobility is still an important part of healthy aging.
    Gina Park, CNN Money, 16 July 2025
  • Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail and elderly people, as well as those with a weakened immune system.
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Trump could test the strength of the Republican Party’s slim House and Senate majorities by trying to repeal or suspend the Home Rule Act.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Most functions are accessed via a slim center console with hexagonal haptic touchpads.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Put away any fragile or breakable items in hard-to-reach areas, and secure cabinets.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • Depending on your budget, this may mean only hiring movers to take care of a small portion of your more breakable, bulky or precious items, while teaming up with friends or family to take care of the rest.
    Talia Wexler, CNBC, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong, Justin Turner and more were in attendance, taking advantage of the Cubs having an off day after several of them put in a shift signing autographs at The National earlier in the day.
    The Athletic Collectibles Staff, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The attacker, 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura, entered the office tower with an assault rifle and body armor, fatally shooting a security guard, a Blackstone executive, a Rudin Management associate, and an off-duty NYPD officer before taking his own life.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 15 Aug. 2025.

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