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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of tender
Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Another possibility is excess nitrogen in your garden's soil, which can lead to the tender growth to which aphids are drawn.
—Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 June 2026
The tender leaves add a mild, radishy zip to salads, or any dish needing a nutritional boost.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Not soft, but tender enough to feel my fingers indent when gently squeezing them—perhaps two days away from being near perfectly ripe.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
Before sunrise, healing Chiron receives a square from our love and values planet, so tender spots around giving and receiving attention may ache.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026
Another possibility is excess nitrogen in your garden's soil, which can lead to the tender growth to which aphids are drawn.
—Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 June 2026
Noun
This month, restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland will begin rolling out the new tenders, as well as nine new sauces.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 15 June 2026
The tender leaves add a mild, radishy zip to salads, or any dish needing a nutritional boost.
—Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026
Verb
They’re described as caramelized on the outside and tender and gooey in the center.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
Not soft, but tender enough to feel my fingers indent when gently squeezing them—perhaps two days away from being near perfectly ripe.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
Adjective
-
International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
Jamey Keaten,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
International migration has long been a sensitive issue in Europe, as nations grapple with an aging population and increasing anti-foreigner sentiment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
The couple were affectionate while walking the red carpet together as well as while inside the venue.—
Sarah Sotoodeh , Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
16 June 2026
-
Along the way, the animal attracts plenty of delighted squeals, affectionate greetings and eager requests from passersby for a photo together.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Family remembers Nazir Bell Bell's family described him as a bright and compassionate young man with a promising future.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
Plenty of evangelical pastors, writers, and advocates have called for and modelled a more compassionate and inclusive faith.—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 2026
Adjective
-
But lingering high ticket prices combined with weaker teams might mean sparse attendance.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
Tokyo wants to appear to be fighting a weak yen, while welcoming it in private.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Bemotrizinol is gentle enough to use on children as young as 6 months, according to the FDA, and has lower levels of absorption through the skin and into the body.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
During the Sudanese civil war, South Sudan’s elephant population plummeted from 100,000 to 5,000 over three decades, as herds of gentle bystanders got caught in the crossfire.—
The Los Angeles Times,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Trump has frequently complained that Obama’s deal included the transport of cash from the US to Iran.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
-
Brianna was held on a $25,000 cash bond and Kierianna was held on a $100,000 cash bond.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Amid mounting outcry, Bass offered a public tribute to the dog.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake South Casco, Maine With 35 lakefront cottages and a lodge offering multiple styles of rooms, the all-inclusive Migis Lodge on Maine's Sebago Lake is a great choice for large families.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Adjective
-
When students learn new information, the memory is fragile and the brain needs a pause from additional cognitive demands, according to the pediatric association.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
The fierce woman who always wore black, who could light up a room with her sly jokes and smoky laughter, grew quieter and more fragile after losing her lover.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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