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

Examples 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 Try not to scrub as the paint is usually fragile on these plastic, nostalgic lawn ornaments. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024 To realize the person who loves me would not have to tiptoe around or be fragile with or avoid talking about. —

Jenelle Riley, Variety, 16 Dec. 2024 The researchers say that the method is designed to help move objects that might be too fragile or the wrong shape for robot arms, grippers, claws and other systems to work with. —

Michael Irving, New Atlas, 14 Dec. 2024 Yet the balance Dead to Me struck was fragile; if the plot could get cartoonish, then the connection between the two leads, Cardellini and Christina Applegate, and the plausibility of their characters’ bond helped suspend disbelief. —

Judy Berman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fragile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile

Adjective

Niki starts out in the ’50s with the artist wearing an immaculate white dress and a glistening tiara, striking delicate poses for a photographer that orders her around.

Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
The cozy sweater features delicate pearl details along the front, oversized billowy sleeves, and a flattering V-neck design.

Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024