tightrope

noun

tight·​rope ˈtīt-ˌrōp 

1

: a rope or wire stretched taut for acrobats to perform on

2

: a dangerously precarious situation

—usually used in the phrase walk a tightrope

Examples of tightrope in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Balancing these priorities can feel like walking a tightrope, especially today. —Francis Gingras Roy, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025

This generation is walking a tightrope between opportunity and burnout. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Then the government stopped the study 20 attorneys general ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services Business Threatened by Trump tariffs, Japan walks a delicate tightrope between US and China Among all U.S. allies being wooed by Beijing, Japan stands out. —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025

With the Mafia circling, studio heads panicking, and even Frank Sinatra walking a tightrope between friendship and fallout, the stakes skyrocket. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tightrope

• downslope
• elope
• hillslope
• upslope
• antelope
• bronchoscope
• cantaloupe
• cystoscope
• endoscope
• envelope
• epitope
• gyroscope

Kids Definition

tightrope

noun

tight·​rope -ˌrōp 

: a rope or wire stretched tight for acrobats to perform on