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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tender
Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Leave it to your trusty slow-cooker to make juicy, extra tender ribs.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 8 Jan. 2026
Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
For a lively atmosphere and tender cuts of steak, Seafire Steakhouse is a popular option– so plan ahead with a reservation.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025
The spotlight here is on seafood—from the catch of the day to tender octopus with Apulian panzanella.
—Megan Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
Lean and tender steaks crown a bright, lemony salad made with asparagus, peas and couscous.
—Noun
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
—Verb
Roast, stirring once, until lightly browned and tender, about 40 minutes.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
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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Over the years, many have stopped seeing Pretty Woman as an affectionate fairytale.—
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The affectionate moment marked their first unmistakable public display as a couple.—
Adjective
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Stable housing, economic supports, safe communities, inclusive policies, supportive workplaces, and compassionate classrooms are not abstract ideals.—
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Vulnerable Chiron is rolling forward in your 10th House of Authority, prompting you to reshape your path by transforming past criticism into practical, compassionate leadership.—
Adjective
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New orders contracted for a fourth month and export bookings remained weak, based on the ISM data.—
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Getting too little of either can lead to weak, brittle bones, and too much can also cause problems (like kidney stones or nausea).—
Adjective
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Common exfoliators and fine line-eliminators like retinol and glycolic acid are too harsh on my skin, but this serum utilizes lactic acid, which is far more gentle but just as potent.—
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Instead of direct water exposure, the robot switches to a gentler mechanical process.—
Noun
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Janet’s mother, Marilyn, was deeply insecure about having never finished college herself, and—newly flush with cash—offered to pay for four years of her children’s higher education (which cost, on average, $740 in the late 1970s).—
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And just in case, she was laid to rest with some local currency, or spending cash, almost 1,000 Kaiyuan Tongbao coins tied to her waist and right leg, as per Arkeonews reported.—
Verb
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Below, three interior designers share the color combos that look tacky today—plus offer modern alternatives.—
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For her, the small acts help process loss and offer hope to others returning to empty lots.—
Adjective
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The synthetic insulation can be beaten up more than fragile down, and the 15-denier fabric is water-resistant and durable for extended wear.—
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The latter provides the opportunity for a harrowing sequence in which the family is forced to cross a giant ravine on a treacherously fragile rope ladder.—
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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