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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 As for passengers choosing to fly instruments in premium cabins, United, like many airlines, allows travelers to purchase an extra seat for oversized or fragile items such as cellos or guitars. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025 Tuna often cuts his hands, but the greater pain comes from losing fragile work. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2025 This effort should be paired with a concerted effort to increase the number of overseas personnel with experience and training in combating corruption, beginning with ambassadors, who are often the tip of the spear of anticorruption efforts in fragile democracies. Casey Michel, Foreign Affairs, 8 Aug. 2025 Set in post-war America, The Great Mann is a compelling narrative of the fragile nature of progress in a country still shaped by segregation. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
  • Her entire front body is exposed and her natural breasts are round, perky; her pink areolas, small; her pink nipples, delicate, conical.
    Weike Wang, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
  • While the Great Lakes may seem to offer an endless supply of water, the balance is actually quite delicate.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s another potential dynamic at play, too: Will humans be more willing to divulge more sensitive details to a machine than another human?
    Gina Chua, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Short-term health risks, especially for sensitive populations, can include eyes, throat and nose irritation, asthma attacks, coughing and shortness of breath.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Taking place in small and large cities in nearly every state, the events are designed to build on the momentum of other large-scale protests including No Kings Day in June and Good Trouble Lives On in July.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The slightly smaller Packer Style Ham (17 pounds) sold for $18,500.
    Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Why Automation Falls Short In Finance Most enterprise finance teams still run on a precarious stack of legacy spreadsheets, brittle robotic process automation (RPA) scripts and semi-integrated systems.
    Carlos Vega, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • This is probably the better option for those with very thick or brittle hair.
    Lisa DeSantis, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the nineteenth century, for instance, libraries offered some women the freedom to explore, learn, and work, challenging social norms that styled (some) women as too frail to earn a living outside the home.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Severe infections are particularly dangerous for young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
    Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In a video, Infiniti teased the low-slung vehicle, revealing a swoopy profile, slim headlights, and circular taillights reminiscent of the Skyline.
    Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Officials had warned earlier in the week that the region’s Highway 12 – the slim, scenic stretch of road connecting the barrier islands – could become completely inaccessible.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Put away any fragile or breakable items in hard-to-reach areas, and secure cabinets.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Interim manager Ray Montgomery agreed that plan made sense, despite the recent number of off days.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The game was suspended due to rain in the first inning and then completed the following afternoon, which was supposed to be an off day.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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