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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragile are brittle, crisp, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

In what contexts can brittle take the place of fragile?

The words brittle and fragile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is it sensible to use crisp instead of fragile?

Although the words crisp and fragile have much in common, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

Where would frangible be a reasonable alternative to fragile?

The words frangible and fragile can be used in similar contexts, but frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When would friable be a good substitute for fragile?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragile, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

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 fragile There was never a question for her that Shirley was the main manager, but the situation felt fraught and fragile on both sides. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2025 And regional offices play an important supporting staff role, with scientists on staff to help maintain fragile parks ecosystems, as well as specialists who monitor geohazard safety issues like landslides. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 3 July 2025 Nancy Woodall of Smyrna, Tenn., in her last 8 years, took in only medically fragile children and other kids who were regularly passed over by other foster parents. Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 In the span of a week, the U.S. shifted from the brink of global conflict to a fragile ceasefire. Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.
    Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • This usually involves receiving a fake text, email or even a phone call designed to trick you into clicking a malicious link or sharing sensitive information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2025
  • The thundering crackles and sharp bangs of pyrotechnics can not only frighten dogs but also cause discomfort to their sensitive ears.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Deforestation and insufficient small prey force birds to migrate to other areas.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • While the headline-grabbing CEOs are interesting, hearing the stories of smaller companies is absolutely fascinating.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Adjective
  • Like a brittle leaf spiraling down a garden path, or the last cigarette passed between friends.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
  • In extreme cold, the plastic frames can become brittle and break.
    Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • The frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile, just five weeks after a hospital stay.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
  • Very old or frail tapestries may be best framed to protect them.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Reversibility Not Likely The chances of reversing AGI or ASI seem to be slim.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Vionic Women’s Willa Slip-on Flats One of the least orthotic-looking of the bunch, the Willa flat has a similar look to Vionic’s signature loafer style except for its slim and delicate silhouette.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Depending on your budget, this may mean only hiring movers to take care of a small portion of your more breakable, bulky or precious items, while teaming up with friends or family to take care of the rest.
    Talia Wexler, CNBC, 4 July 2025
  • Critics of safety standards at Son's former company, Korea Airports Corporation, have asked whether the crash would have been less deadly if the antenna array had been built on a more breakable or movable base.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • No team could use an off day than the New York Mets.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Entering play Thursday, an off day for the Yankees, the reigning American League MVP had the highest average (.361), OPS (1.180), fWAR (6.1) and wRC+ (221) in baseball.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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