as in fragile
likely to spoil or decay quickly; not likely to stay fresh for a long time if not eaten or used
Don't buy large amounts of perishable foods like produce before you leave for vacation.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 perishable
Many residents bought water, corn flour, butter, cheese, bread, rice, and non-perishable food such as tuna — supplies to get them through in case the fighting lasted several days.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026
The National Weather Service recommends stocking essential items like non-perishable food, water and warm clothing for severe winter events.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Nov. 2025
There is also a food drive where customers can earn 25% off their meal by bringing five non-perishable food items to any By Golly's location.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
Participants can bring non-perishable food items for Sussex Outreach Services.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perishable
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026
The National Weather Service recommends stocking essential items like non-perishable food, water and warm clothing for severe winter events.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 8 Nov. 2025
There is also a food drive where customers can earn 25% off their meal by bringing five non-perishable food items to any By Golly's location.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
Participants can bring non-perishable food items for Sussex Outreach Services.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for perishable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perishable
Adjective
-
The synthetic insulation can be beaten up more than fragile down, and the 15-denier fabric is water-resistant and durable for extended wear.—
Maggie Slepian,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The latter provides the opportunity for a harrowing sequence in which the family is forced to cross a giant ravine on a treacherously fragile rope ladder.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Jan. 2026
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
-
This delicate balance allows massive galaxies to stay dormant for billions of years, even when star-forming material is present.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Ballerina styles, those with lace-up construction, are emerging as a standout, adding a delicate, fashion-forward touch while remaining practical.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The human brain is highly susceptible to often unproductive mind-wandering, and modern technology has only made the problem worse.—
Harvard Business Review,
Harvard Business Review,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Common Pests and Diseases Like all plants, hoyas can be susceptible to pests and diseases.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
If an entrance hole is too large, smaller nesting birds will be vulnerable to predators and invasive species, including house sparrows, larger birds of prey, squirrels, snakes and even cats, which Hamlin says are birds’ top predators.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Jan. 2026
-
People who have weakened immune systems or existing lung and heart disease are most vulnerable to cardiac complications from the flu.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Perishable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perishable. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share