1
as in sensitive
easily injured without careful handling
a tender wound tender plants that cannot take the cold tender pride that got bruised when his girlfriend dumped him
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Relevance
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2
as in affectionate
feeling or showing love
a tender embrace between father and daughter
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3
as in compassionate
having or marked by sympathy and consideration for others
an especially tender teacher who loves having kids with special educational needs in her class
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4
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
a very tender child who always seems to be sick
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5
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
his tender comments on how to improve her writing style were gratefully received
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as in cash
something (as pieces of stamped metal or printed paper) customarily and legally used as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment
money from that board game is not legal tender and can't be exchanged for goods or services
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as in to offer
to put before another for acceptance or consideration
the coach tendered his resignation and started a new career as a physical therapist
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tender
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
Cohen has also been working on a documentary about Leaf, as well as a tender short film called Robert and June (and all the time in the world), a dual portrait of Leaf and her husband, the photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank.
—Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Stir corn, okra, apple cider vinegar, and sugar into Dutch oven; cook until tender and burgoo is reduced just slightly more, about 30 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
Wondering how to pan-fry pork chops and keep them tender?
—Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tender
Adjective
But the tender moment between coach and player was about far more than any of that.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
Cohen has also been working on a documentary about Leaf, as well as a tender short film called Robert and June (and all the time in the world), a dual portrait of Leaf and her husband, the photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank.
—Nicole Rudick, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Add onion and celery; cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
—Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2026
Stir corn, okra, apple cider vinegar, and sugar into Dutch oven; cook until tender and burgoo is reduced just slightly more, about 30 minutes.
—Ivy Odom, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
Quiet reflection supports inner strength as the instinctive Moon moves through your 12th House of Fantasy and sextiles tender Chiron in your 2nd House of Materialism.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 Apr. 2026
Wondering how to pan-fry pork chops and keep them tender?
—Wini Moranville, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tender
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tender
Adjective
-
The ability to acquire land in fee simple is essential and, in many cases, the most effective and expedient way to protect sensitive landscapes, especially in rapidly developing areas.—
Susan Carr,
Sun Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Eating large amounts or consuming them on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of discomfort in sensitive individuals.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The piece is affectionate, admiring, and shamelessly tilted in his favor.—
Dan Zaksheske OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Breed experts say goldendoodles are among the most social and affectionate dog breeds available.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Her personality was so engaging, made everyone feel seen, heard, cared for, compassionate, fair-minded.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
-
When delivered as intended, hospice remains one of the most compassionate and effective models of care in our healthcare system.—
Tom Koutsoumpas,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Viel made a weak pass that led to the goal but had a strong hit on McDavid in the opening 20 minutes as well.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With the uncertainty caused by the war with Iran, the price of oil going through the roof, and tariffs complicating company supply chains, analysts expected the labor market to get weaker.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Both are gentler than acetone and won’t dry your nails and cuticles out as much, making this pot a great choice for those with sensitive skin.—
Sarah Felbin,
Allure,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Cooked in a wood-burning oven, the chicken hums with a gentle smokiness and a complex, fruity chile flavor that’s warm, rounded and highly addictive.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal cash and financing from banks.—
Baiju Kalesh,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
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The irregular flow of cash will distort their financial reports and could deepen mistrust that the county has adequate guardrails to properly account for where taxpayers’ money is ending up.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The 6-6, 313-pounder started 30 games at left and right tackle in college and offers depth as a swing tackle at the next level.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And other tackles, namely Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor and Clemson’s Blake Miller, offered better short- and long-term fits as college right tackles who play with a mean streak.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These conditions have fueled widespread reports of labor exploitation, environmental damage and violent disputes over territory, while mercury contamination from gold extraction has posed serious risks to indigenous communities and fragile ecosystems.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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Installations create striking contrasts between fragile glass and living plants, a hallmark of Chihuly’s large-scale outdoor works.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tender.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tender. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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