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Showing results for tenuous. Search instead for tenuousn.
Definitions

tenuous

[ten-yoo-uhs] / ˈtɛn yu əs /
ADJECTIVE
weak, thin
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delicate dubious flimsy insubstantial nebulous questionable shaky sketchy
WEAK
aerial airy attenuate attenuated doubtful ethereal fine gossamer insignificant light narrow rare rarefied reedy slender slight slim subtle twiggy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain definite firm heavy strong substantial sure
WEAK
healthy significant stable thick

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cease-fires give hope even if temporary, tenuous and fragile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But as the tenuous ceasefire remains in place, there is little evidence of any significant result for Trump on the nuclear issue.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Unless the war escalates again, even a tenuous ceasefire likely makes that still more far-fetched.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

It only got uglier from there, leaving the Trojans’ tournament hopes in a tenuous place and their frustrated head coach with his own head in his hands.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

More than ever I was aware how tenuous my situation was.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss