TENUOUS Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'tenuous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tenuous are slender , slight , slim , and thin . While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness. // a tenuous thread

Q: Where would 'slender' be a reasonable alternative to 'tenuous'?

The meanings of slender and tenuous largely overlap; however, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion. // the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

Q: When could 'slight' be used to replace 'tenuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to tenuous , slight implies smallness as well as thinness. // a slight build

Q: When is 'slim' a more appropriate choice than 'tenuous'?

The synonyms slim and tenuous are sometimes interchangeable, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness. // a slim volume of poetry // a slim chance

Q: In what contexts can 'thin' take the place of 'tenuous'?

The words thin and tenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thin implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance. // thin wire // a thin soup

tenuous

adjective

Definition of tenuous next

as in fragile

lacking strength, permanence, or resilience The countries formed a tenuous political alliance. The moon has a tenuous atmosphere that frequently fluctuates in thickness.

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How does the adjective tenuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of tenuous are slender, slight, slim, and thin. While all these words mean "not thick, broad, abundant, or dense," tenuous implies extreme thinness, sheerness, or lack of substance and firmness.

a tenuous thread

Where would slender be a reasonable alternative to tenuous?

The meanings of slender and tenuous largely overlap; however, slender implies leanness or spareness often with grace and good proportion.

the slender legs of a Sheraton chair

When could slight be used to replace tenuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to tenuous, slight implies smallness as well as thinness.

a slight build

When is slim a more appropriate choice than tenuous?

The synonyms slim and tenuous are sometimes interchangeable, but slim applies to slenderness that suggests fragility or scantiness.

a slim volume of poetry

a slim chance

In what contexts can thin take the place of tenuous?

The words thin and tenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, thin implies comparatively little extension between surfaces or in diameter, or it may imply lack of substance, richness, or abundance.

thin wire

a thin soup

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 tenuous Some, like Fink, have found a measure of stability, however tenuous. —

Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Doe's attorneys dismissed the claim, asserting that the connection was tenuous and fabricated. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The accords led to a peace treaty, but the relationship between the two Mideast countries remained tenuous. —

Kathy Lohr, NPR, 29 Dec. 2024 The Longhorns’ running back depth chart, which has been tenuous because of injuries all season, took a hit when Tre Wisner had to leave the game. —

Sam Khan Jr., The Athletic, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenuous