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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tender
Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Bruce Willis as Captain Duffy Sharp in Moonrise Kingdom
Bruce Willis earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his tender performance as New Penzance’s police captain.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Their burgeoning friendship becomes a tender yet urgent bond across time, rooted in innocence, curiosity and shared heartbreak.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
The Chargers opted not to tender Stone Smartt as a restricted free agent, so Gadsden is a worthy replacement as a low-risk pick.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
Add tomatoes and sprinkle with more salt and pepper and reduce heat, cover and simmer on low until the beef is tender, as much as 2 hours.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Bruce Willis as Captain Duffy Sharp in Moonrise Kingdom
Bruce Willis earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his tender performance as New Penzance’s police captain.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025
Noun
Attu Kari sukkah is a falling-apart tender lamb in a dark brown curry redolent of warm spices.
—Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Their burgeoning friendship becomes a tender yet urgent bond across time, rooted in innocence, curiosity and shared heartbreak.
—Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025
Verb
Knowing he’d be disbarred after the discipline process played out, Pillon tendered a disbarment on consent application, which was accepted in 2009.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
The Chargers opted not to tender Stone Smartt as a restricted free agent, so Gadsden is a worthy replacement as a low-risk pick.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
Adjective
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Rochester recommends baby shampoo to get your hair and makeup brushes grease-free and without any additives that may irritate sensitive face skin.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
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Additionally, privacy, data security and intellectual property concerns must be addressed when handling sensitive or unpublished research material.—
Beth Worthy,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
Adjective
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So Pasadena Humane took to Facebook to help Art find a better match for his affectionate and playful energy.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
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The affectionate names Kennedy gave to his manta friends in addition to Willy—Rosy, Chevy, Tippy—scientists still use today.—
Kathleen Rellihan,
Outside Online,
8 June 2025
Adjective
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This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
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Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The inference here is that women’s speech is coded as weak and men’s, the direct opposite.—
Megan C. Reynolds,
Time,
27 June 2025
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Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Through its busy streets, the Ford Ranger PHEV emitted a gentle hum at low speeds and easily handled deep road ruts and drain covers with little fuss.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
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Don't boil for too long: Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer, and cook the ribs just until tenderized.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Noun
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To model what this distribution — which will begin when the first baby bonds recipients turn 18 in 2041 — will look like, the cash catalyst program will also focus on giving money to people between the ages of 18 and 30.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
27 June 2025
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Since Weltman’s arrival, Orlando has traded majority of their second picks, but only to push them back to future years or for cash considerations.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The company’s website offers shoppers the ability to sign up for alerts on product deals and create personalized accounts.—
John Hall,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Escher Walcott,
People.com,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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As the conflict between Israel and Iran rests on a fragile ceasefire, Rajebi and other Iranian Americans told USA TODAY about dismay at American involvement and fear for loved ones still in Iran, saying a resurgence in violence could ripple around the world.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
27 June 2025
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However, removing them can undermine employee engagement, especially in hybrid or rapidly changing environments with fragile personal connections.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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