Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for tenuous. Search instead for tenuousne.
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.

Bigger picture, the U.S. economic picture still looks tenuous.

From MarketWatch • 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

“I’m a nanny, and I pick up a couple of kids from their preschool and I know and love so many kids with parents in pretty tenuous situations,” said McElroy, who is Irish American.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

Polls consistently showed him with only a tenuous lead over Mitt Romney.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama