tenuous

adjective

Definition of tenuousnext
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

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 tenuous Channelization of the river killed wetlands and lowered dissolved oxygen levels in the water, thus making life much more tenuous for small fish and shrimp. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025 The tenuous ceasefire that has halted withering rocket attacks between Iran and Israel appeared to be holding Thursday ahead of talks next week that could lead to a more permanent peace. —John Bacon, USA Today, 27 June 2025 He’s reportedly been key to negotiating the tenuous détente between Elon Musk and Trump. —Jake Lahut, Wired News, 27 June 2025 An Israeli military official who spoke on the condition of anonymity in line with military regulations said Iran launched two missiles at Israel hours into the tenuous ceasefire. —Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenuous
  1. fragile
  2. slight
Adjective
  • During the chandelier's cleaning process, the office said workers wear gloves to minimize human contact and ensure its integrity is not jeopardized because it is made up of soft and fragile materials.
    — Keelin Fisher, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025
  • Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall across most of east Central Florida.
    — Garfield Hylton, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 July 2025
  • Perhaps surprising, at-home tests come at a slight subscription premium.
    — Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of slight

Browse Nearby Words

tenty
tenuous
tenure
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Cite this Entry

“Tenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenuous. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of tenuous for Spanish Speakers

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