FRAGILE Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of fragile are brittle , crisp , frangible , and friable . While all these words mean "breaking easily," fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling. // a fragile antique chair

Q: In what contexts can 'brittle' take the place of 'fragile'?

The words brittle and fragile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness. // brittle bones

Q: When is it sensible to use 'crisp' instead of 'fragile'?

Although the words crisp and fragile have much in common, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods. // crisp lettuce

Q: Where would 'frangible' be a reasonable alternative to 'fragile'?

The words frangible and fragile can be used in similar contexts, but frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy. // frangible stone used for paving

Q: When would 'friable' be a good substitute for 'fragile'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragile , friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized. // friable soil

fragile

adjective

ˈfra-jəl

Definition of fragile

as in delicate

easily broken attaching the beautiful but fragile ornaments to the Christmas tree is always a touchy operation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sensitive

easily injured without careful handling babies are fragile, so remember to care for them gently

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in small

small in degree a fragile possibility that we might emerge from this fiasco unscathed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragile are brittle, crisp, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

In what contexts can brittle take the place of fragile?

The words brittle and fragile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is it sensible to use crisp instead of fragile?

Although the words crisp and fragile have much in common, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

Where would frangible be a reasonable alternative to fragile?

The words frangible and fragile can be used in similar contexts, but frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When would friable be a good substitute for fragile?

While in some cases nearly identical to fragile, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

Example 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 fragile Last year, the Swiss village of Blatten was wiped out when a fragile glacier crashed down, bringing the side of the mountain with it and destroying 300 homes. — Imogen Foulkes, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026 There had been a period of reconciliation, a fragile truce between the two sisters, in my kindergarten year. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 Unless the industry does more to demonstrate AI’s tangible benefits, Cramer worries deteriorating public sentiment could become another headwind for an already fragile market. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026 Four years after a fragile ceasefire ended widespread conflict in Ethiopia, the region is again slipping back into full-out war. — Alemayehu Fentaw Weldemariam, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragile

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragile

Adjective

Try a cider flight to experience several of Seminary Hill’s delicate and impressive ciders which range from semi-dry to dry and from still to sparkling.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
But Democrats don’t have to share the spotlight with the president, so their balancing acts are not as delicate as those confronting their Republican opponents.

— Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of delicate

Adjective

Over the past decade, cyberattacks against the education sector have risen expeditiously, exposing sensitive data, temporarily disrupting school operations and affecting students' learning.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Deisseroth, a Stanford professor, helped adapt a light-sensitive protein discovered by Hegemann and Nagel into a way to control nerve cells in living mice.

— Kostya Manenkov, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of sensitive

Adjective

There’s also a small but well-equipped 24-hour gym, a sauna, steam rooms, and a Jacuzzi area with daybeds.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
In a small Idaho town, a young mother is accused of killing her young twins.

— Glenn Thrush Eric Schmitt Liam Stack Tim Balk, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of small

Adjective

Sand-like granules collecting in gutters, curling or missing shingles, brittle or cracking shingles, sagging sections and indoor leaks or ceiling stains are the standard indicators that a roof is failing.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Studying an intact oarfish is remarkably difficult because their bodies typically disintegrate into brittle segments upon death.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of brittle

Adjective

As a result, in Lourdes the question of respecting even the most frail, sick and vulnerable is particularly acute.

— Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026
Footage from recent Beach Boys shows, though, had many concerned that Love was reaching Frankie Valli levels of uncanny due to a frail voice and appearance.

— Devon Ivie, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of frail

Adjective

Still, Stutzman noted the timing of Democrats’ concern over the surveillance technology, with less than 30 days till the November elections where Republicans’ slim House majority is on the line.

— Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 6 Oct. 2026
The pumps feature a slim slingback strap that wraps around the ankle, securing the foot in place.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of slim

Adjective

Sets with unbreakable backboards and breakaway rims are the best type for children because breakable boards and rigid rims can lead to the little ones hurting their fingers.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

— Eve Chen, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Definition of breakable

Adjective

Mix these finds into your work wardrobe or your off-duty ensembles—they’re versatile enough to do it all, and the festive palette is worth drooling over.

— Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Caminero is one of those players who, even amid a 162-game season, spends his off days watching baseball.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of off

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fracturing

fragile

fragility

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“Fragile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragile. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fragile

adjective

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