tender 1 of 3

adjective

ˈten-dər How to pronounce tender (audio)
Definition of tendernext
1
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling a tender wound tender plants that cannot take the cold tender pride that got bruised when his girlfriend dumped him

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2
as in affectionate
feeling or showing love a tender embrace between father and daughter

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3
as in compassionate
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others an especially tender teacher who loves having kids with special educational needs in her class

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4
as in weak
lacking bodily strength a very tender child who always seems to be sick

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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect his tender comments on how to improve her writing style were gratefully received

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tender

2 of 3

noun

as in cash
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment money from that board game is not legal tender and can't be exchanged for goods or services

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tender

3 of 3

verb

as in to offer
to put before another for acceptance or consideration the coach tendered his resignation and started a new career as a physical therapist

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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 tender
Adjective
Best of all is his biggest adversary, Sonny Liston, whose luckless early years spoil a tender soul Joseph keenly brings to light. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2026 With its tender texture, it can be used as a base for salads, added to pasta, sprinkled over top of a pizza, or turned into pesto. — Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
While the tender is primarily focused on the 2030 World Cup, interested parties will also have the option to submit offers for the 2034 installment in Saudi Arabia. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Shapira fills a plate with a crab cake, two chicken tenders, and a salad, lamenting the fattiness of American food. — Margaux MacColl, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
Line of Duty producer World Productions has submitted separate plans to reimagine the Time Lord after CEO Simon Heath recently mooted his interest in the Doctor Who tender. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 Braise for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is almost cooked through and tender (and registers 155° to 160°F on an instant-read thermometer, inserted away from the bone). — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
  1. sensitive
  2. affectionate
  3. compassionate
  4. weak
  5. gentle
  6. cash
  7. offer
  8. fragile
Adjective
  • State officials had provided a version of the rolls that withheld such sensitive personal information, citing privacy concerns.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
  • An Israeli military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media or to discuss sensitive operational matters, also confirmed the withdrawal.
    — Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • The two shared a friendship adored by fans, often seen greeting each other with an affectionate kiss on the lips whether on TV programs or on the red carpet.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Other people shared their own experiences with romantic interactions and affectionate responses, showing how some individuals are choosing to use the technology.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of affectionate
Adjective
  • Communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and connected.
    — Jeffrey Zirulnick, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of weak
Adjective
  • The crucial middle section of the show continued to deal with tough emotions, but in a gentle fashion.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The idea was to mash together the gentle art of gardening with a competitive sport, almost framing it as a beat-’em-up.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of gentle
Noun
  • Freed of a cash crunch, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority’s 2027 preliminary budget shows a significant boost in spending as the super agency powers up to deliver more bus and rail service for riders.
    — Marni Pyke, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Advisors typically recommend keeping at least three to six months of living expenses in cash for emergency savings.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of cash
Verb
  • The setting, conveniently located to visit countless attractions on foot, also offers a taste of the passing seasons with a glance out of the windows—courtesy of the scenic Shirakawa River flowing straight past the hotel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The competition offered a demanding test of the robot’s mobility, balance, and thermal management systems.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of offer
Adjective
  • Furthermore, custom rigid shapes for every new material are expensive, fragile, and difficult to scale.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Mark DiCamillo, the poll’s director, said previous surveys showed support for Proposition 40 has been fragile, and the most recent shows its prospects have dimmed as election day approaches.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of fragile

Phrases Containing tender

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tendentiousness
tender
tendered
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Cite this Entry

“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tender

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