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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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
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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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as in kindness
sympathetic concern for the well-being of others
volunteers at the shelter tended to all the animals in their care with great tenderness
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tender
Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 28 July 2025
The beans will absorb the flavors from the sauce and are very tender, while the Conecuh adds a nice meaty bite.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 28 July 2025
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s also chicken tenders, French fries, single burgers and hot dogs.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
In 2023, Texas A&M paid a record-breaking $77.5 million buyout to part ways with the coach, just two years after tendering him a 10-year, $95 million contract extension.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025
Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 July 2025
DoorDash customers praised the restaurant for the burnt ends tenderness, the savory beans and the budget friendly meals.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
When done, the beans will be tender and hold their shape, rather than fall apart.
—Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 28 July 2025
The beans will absorb the flavors from the sauce and are very tender, while the Conecuh adds a nice meaty bite.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 28 July 2025
Noun
The vessel also offers a bevy of toys and tenders, including a Hinkley limo tender fit for 12, a Yamaha ski boat, Seabobs, Jet Skis, eFoils, and more.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2025
There’s also chicken tenders, French fries, single burgers and hot dogs.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Lake Forest Police Department is tendering a one-time lump sum 3.5 % retention bonus of an officer’s current salary.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
In 2023, Texas A&M paid a record-breaking $77.5 million buyout to part ways with the coach, just two years after tendering him a 10-year, $95 million contract extension.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025
Noun
And what are care and attention if not expressions of tenderness and regard?
—Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 17 July 2025
DoorDash customers praised the restaurant for the burnt ends tenderness, the savory beans and the budget friendly meals.
—Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
Adjective
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Federated Learning: This privacy-preserving technique allows AI models to learn from decentralized data across games and platforms without compromising user privacy, enhancing moderation without centralizing sensitive data.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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They are also believed to degrade water quality, which can hurt sensitive organisms like freshwater mussels.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Finn is her brave, affectionate brother who keeps her safe.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
16 Aug. 2025
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TikTokers were quick to react and expressed similar affectionate experiences with their poodles.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Though a small sample, their reactions were notably compassionate towards transgender people and supportive of the doctors who provided their care.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
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Being more compassionate and respectful to the needs of your squad and family, instead of just asserting your wants, adds a new dimension to your connection with them.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.—
Raul Elizalde,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Low interest rates tend to make the yen weaker against the dollar, giving Japanese exporters a cost advantage in overseas sales.—
Matt Ott,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Be gentle and pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Aug. 2025
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The rich, mousse-like formula felt smooth and hydrating and was gentle on her skin.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This alternative proposal offers enforceable commitments, includes real milestones, and investment into clean equipment, infrastructure, and workforce training—all while preserving local control and operational flexibility.—
Timothy Jemal,
Oc Register,
16 Aug. 2025
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Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or as the foundation for a classic cocktail, these gold medal winners offer an ideal balance of sweetness and spice.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, Jota’s death has brought certain things into sharp context, about how fragile life — and within that, something like a football career — can be.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
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These species play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the fragile ecosystem.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Cognitive generosity is all about making the choice to interpret your partner’s intentions, behaviors and words in the most generous and loving light possible.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
10 Aug. 2025
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Thank you to all the beautiful loving and supportive fans out there for honoring him.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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