FRAGILE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fragile

adjective

ˈfra-jəl

Definition of fragile next

as in delicate

easily broken attaching the beautiful but fragile ornaments to the Christmas tree is always a touchy operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensitive

easily injured without careful handling babies are fragile, so remember to care for them gently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

small in degree a fragile possibility that we might emerge from this fiasco unscathed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Some items, such as a Japanese wedding kimono and a 14th-century chasuble, are so fragile they can only be displayed in low light. —

Joelle Diderich, WWD, 12 Feb. 2025 Kennedy's path to confirmation was once considered among the most fragile of President Trump's nominees. —

Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025 Trump has proposed eliminating these taxes to allow seniors to keep more of their benefits, but this could reduce government revenue, increasing the strain on Social Security's already fragile trust funds. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 Set and shot in Palestine, this film arrives at a pivotal moment, as the world holds its breath with a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, but a ramp up of violence in the West Bank. —

Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fragile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile

Adjective

Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.

— Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
This is a delicate balancing act with no easy solutions.

— Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025