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perishable

adjective

Definition of perishablenext
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.

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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 And he’s allowed his employees to store perishable food in the company’s commercial freezers. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Investigators are focused on collecting perishable evidence on the scene of the crash. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 Tuesday was the first full day the NTSB team was on the ground at the crash site, and their focus was to collect perishable evidence, such as drone images, videos of the plane, and tire marks on the runways, Homendy said. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Stock up on non-perishable food, water, hygiene items, and disposable utensils for 3–7 days. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perishable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perishable
  1. fragile
  2. sensitive
  3. delicate
  4. susceptible
  5. vulnerable
Adjective
  • Projections suggest that if the epidemic continues at its current pace, 25,000 people in Fiji will be living with HIV by 2029, figures that Soqo says would push Fiji's fragile health system to the brink of collapse.
    — David Cox, NPR, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Dry cleaners have access to solvents and techniques that can safely remove wax and stains without damaging fragile fibers.
    — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • The housing market, being the most interest rate sensitive sector, bears the initial brunt of this pressure.
    — , CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Saavedra admitted to illegally using his department credentials to access sensitive law enforcement databases on Iza’s behalf.
    — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • No detail is unaccounted for and no expense is spared, which is The Ritz-Carlton way — evident in touches like the robe’s delicate trim on the pockets and cuffs, fleece lining, embroidery at the chest, and belt made out of the same materials.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Ilinčić’s show borrowed the delicate ropes of octogenarian textile artist Françoise Grossen weaving them into dresses, skirts, bags and belts.
    — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Control Apple maggot flies are closely monitored in susceptible regions, and small outbreaks can sometimes be managed without conventional pesticides.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026
  • White wines and rosés are especially susceptible to the phenomenon known as lightstrike, but sunlight can ruin any wine.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • Gemini May 21 – June 20 Sharing something creative may feel more vulnerable than usual today.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The aim is to atone for the Catholic Church's failure to protect its youngest and most vulnerable members from predator priests.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of vulnerable

Browse Nearby Words

perish
perishable
perished
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Cite this Entry

“Perishable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perishable. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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