1
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
a tender wound tender plants that cannot take the cold tender pride that got bruised when his girlfriend dumped him
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Relevance
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2
as in affectionate
feeling or showing love
a tender embrace between father and daughter
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3
as in compassionate
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
an especially tender teacher who loves having kids with special educational needs in her class
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4
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a very tender child who always seems to be sick
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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
his tender comments on how to improve her writing style were gratefully received
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as in cash
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment
money from that board game is not legal tender and can't be exchanged for goods or services
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as in to offer
to put before another for acceptance or consideration
the coach tendered his resignation and started a new career as a physical therapist
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tender
Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2025
The short ribs were super tender and had more of a sweet and savory taste.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Filet mignon is a tender cut of beef that is sliced near the smaller end of a beef tenderloin.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
In 2023, Texas A&M paid a record-breaking $77.5 million buyout to part ways with the coach, just two years after tendering him a 10-year, $95 million contract extension.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
Peltz posts a tender tribute to Beckham for his birthday.
—Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 12 Aug. 2025
The short ribs were super tender and had more of a sweet and savory taste.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
Three engines and one water tender have been combating the blaze.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Filet mignon is a tender cut of beef that is sliced near the smaller end of a beef tenderloin.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Lake Forest Police Department is tendering a one-time lump sum 3.5 % retention bonus of an officer’s current salary.
—Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2025
In 2023, Texas A&M paid a record-breaking $77.5 million buyout to part ways with the coach, just two years after tendering him a 10-year, $95 million contract extension.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
Adjective
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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
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The economically sensitive Dow Jones Industrial Average is outperforming the S & P 500 and touching fresh all-time highs following Powell's speech.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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That's why speaking in a calm, affectionate voice can strengthen the human-animal bond and provide comfort.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Aug. 2025
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Notably, Harry does not appear on camera even for a single moment — though his presence is felt through affectionate mentions and a few behind-the-scenes photos.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Safe, compassionate care is always our top priority.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
People.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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The drama, which had its world premiere as a special gala at the Berlin international film festival in February, stars September 5 and Teacher’s Lounge actress Leonie Benesch as Floria, a compassionate nurse whose hectic late shift turns into a race against time amid chronic staff shortages.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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And if tariffs only cause a one-time jump in prices, weaker purchasing power could slow the economy.—
Raul Elizalde,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The airline cited weak travel demand and financial challenges.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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How to Trim Zucchini Plants Prune with a gentle hand, taking this approach from Sears.—
Amy Brightfield,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Aug. 2025
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Tension headaches often improve with rest, hydration, gentle stretching or over-the-counter pain killers.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The alternative is the Tier 3 cash payment option, which will be a share of the settlement after administration costs and claims are received.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
14 Aug. 2025
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Since the poll’s inception in 1998, the average cash gift left by the Tooth Fairy has increased 285% from $1.30 to $5.01 per tooth.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Delacorte offers accessible seating for those with mobility needs, with companion seats available.—
Emma Caldwell,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
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At one point, there were so many volunteers flooding the region that officials from the Red Cross Nashville Chapter begged those who were not trained in disaster zones not to hike in—and instead, began offering safety classes for those determined to help.—
Angele Latham,
The Tennessean,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These species play a crucial role in maintaining balance within the fragile ecosystem.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
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At the same time, Jota’s death has brought certain things into sharp context, about how fragile life — and within that, something like a football career — can be.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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