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

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 The Phillies’ slam dunk of a playoff spot morphed into something much more tenuous. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 Yet the film’s own case is pretty tenuous, and does little to counter Kaczynski’s later assertion that the experience, while unpleasant, wasn’t formative. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 The Minnesota Vikings took plenty of questions about their defense into this season, jettisoning veterans for salary cap savings at three starting spots and carrying tenuous depth at a couple of key positions. — CBS News, 22 Sep. 2026 Kersh is also well aware that job security in the affiliate market is tenuous at best. — Kara McGrath, Allure, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tenuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenuous

Adjective

Dating back to 1898, the book is now a fragile specimen, protected in a clear plastic box that still allows for viewing.

— Patricia Babcock McGraw OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The worst of El Niño is still months away, but Southern California’s fragile coastline is already being transformed by record-setting king tides and storm surges.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragile

Adjective

The two remained locked in a tight race as early voting nears with Talarico having a slight edge in most polls.

— Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The bodice of the top was a crisp white, while the sleeves were cast in vibrant yellow, a slight nod to the bold color trend for the season.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of slight

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“Tenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenuous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tenuous

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