1
as in delicate
easily broken
attaching the beautiful but fragile ornaments to the Christmas tree is always a touchy operation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
babies are fragile, so remember to care for them gently
Synonyms & Similar Words
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3
as in small
small in degree
a fragile possibility that we might emerge from this fiasco unscathed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in exquisiteness
the state or quality of having a delicate structure
we marveled at the fragility and yet the surprising strength of the bird's wing bones
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2
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor
the fragility of the abandoned baby bird
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fragile
Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Tuna often cuts his hands, but the greater pain comes from losing fragile work.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025
This effort should be paired with a concerted effort to increase the number of overseas personnel with experience and training in combating corruption, beginning with ambassadors, who are often the tip of the spear of anticorruption efforts in fragile democracies.
—Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025
Set in post-war America, The Great Mann is a compelling narrative of the fragile nature of progress in a country still shaped by segregation.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fragile
Adjective
As for passengers choosing to fly instruments in premium cabins, United, like many airlines, allows travelers to purchase an extra seat for oversized or fragile items such as cellos or guitars.
—Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Tuna often cuts his hands, but the greater pain comes from losing fragile work.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025
This effort should be paired with a concerted effort to increase the number of overseas personnel with experience and training in combating corruption, beginning with ambassadors, who are often the tip of the spear of anticorruption efforts in fragile democracies.
—Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025
Set in post-war America, The Great Mann is a compelling narrative of the fragile nature of progress in a country still shaped by segregation.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
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Speaking to the media is one of the more delicate requirements of the position.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
-
While the Great Lakes may seem to offer an endless supply of water, the balance is actually quite delicate.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Short-term health risks, especially for sensitive populations, can include eyes, throat and nose irritation, asthma attacks, coughing and shortness of breath.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
22 Aug. 2025
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There’s another potential dynamic at play, too: Will humans be more willing to divulge more sensitive details to a machine than another human?—
Gina Chua,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The slightly smaller Packer Style Ham (17 pounds) sold for $18,500.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
30 Aug. 2025
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Another substantial difference was that my dad had 400,000-plus [NASA] people supporting him, while Ed had Tenzing [Norgay] and a small supporting cast of expedition Sherpas and climbers.—
Jim Clash,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the labor market has shown growing signs of weakness.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
21 Aug. 2025
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Until recently, in fact, many people considered empathy in a leader to be a weakness rather than a strength.—
Toby Lester,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This is probably the better option for those with very thick or brittle hair.—
Lisa DeSantis,
Glamour,
21 Aug. 2025
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Over time, a brittle, yellow crust forms.3 Lyme disease: Deer tick bites can spread this bacterial infection.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In the nineteenth century, for instance, libraries offered some women the freedom to explore, learn, and work, challenging social norms that styled (some) women as too frail to earn a living outside the home.—
The Editors,
JSTOR Daily,
14 Aug. 2025
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Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
In a video, Infiniti teased the low-slung vehicle, revealing a swoopy profile, slim headlights, and circular taillights reminiscent of the Skyline.—
Peter Lyon,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
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The redistricting push comes as Trump’s political team has put pressure on lawmakers to redraw their states’ U.S. House maps so Republicans can maintain a slim majority in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Each can have different side effects, including dizziness, rapid or slower heart rate, exhaustion, upset stomach and swelling in the legs.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
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When a wave of illness finally makes its way through the household, most families feel equal parts relief and exhaustion.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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