1
as in delicate
easily broken
attaching the beautiful but fragile ornaments to the Christmas tree is always a touchy operation
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2
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
babies are fragile, so remember to care for them gently
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3
as in small
small in degree
a fragile possibility that we might emerge from this fiasco unscathed
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fragile
Hotter oceans contribute to rising sea levels, disrupt fragile marine ecosystems and fuel extreme weather.
—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Jan. 2026
However, Shah said the slower job growth and downward revisions point to a labor market that remains fragile.
—Allie Canal, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026
Such contaminants could pose a threat to the canyon’s already fragile ecosystem.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
The events of 2025 revealed both how critical and how fragile the global supply chain is.
—Eric Lefebvre, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fragile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile
Adjective
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This delicate balance allows massive galaxies to stay dormant for billions of years, even when star-forming material is present.—
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Ballerina styles, those with lace-up construction, are emerging as a standout, adding a delicate, fashion-forward touch while remaining practical.—
Adjective
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The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
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Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Adjective
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The founders argue that automation should be accessible to smaller operators, including neighborhood bars and private event spaces.—
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There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.—
Adjective
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Historically, a spoonful of cod liver oil was administered to treat children with rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that results in brittle bones.—
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The product can damage wool fibers and leave them brittle.—
Adjective
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With elderly patients, particularly those who are cognitively impaired and frail, that can be challenging.—
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However, the bacteria can cause serious, potentially fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.—
Adjective
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To avoid this dilemma, my aunt always travels with a portable power bank like this slim option from Anker.—
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The Rams nursed a slim three-point lead when both teams headed to their respective locker rooms at the end of the second quarter.—
Adjective
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There’s the travel wrap that doubles as a blanket for the cabin; the perfectly sized weekender bag that can be used to house gifts too breakable to check with your luggage; the sleek shoes that slip off easily at security and are ready to go for a just-off-the-flight lunch date.—
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The glass used to make Christmas lights is also fragile and breakable, so handle your lights with care and replace the string if even one bulb breaks.—
Adjective
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Using his off hand, Brown spun the ball off the glass and through the hoop while Shead fouled him.—
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In November 2022, the four college students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus home in the small community of Moscow, Idaho.—
Cite this Entry
“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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