WordLens

tender

1 of 3adjective
/ˈten.dər/
Forms:more tender,most tender
1

caring and compassionate toward others

  • She's a tender person, always showing kindness and empathy towards those in need.
  • Despite his tough exterior, he has a tender heart, always willing to lend a listening ear.
  • The tender mother soothes her child's fears with gentle words and loving embraces.
  • Known for his tender nature, he's quick to offer help and support to friends in need.
  • The tender caregiver provides comfort and reassurance to patients during difficult times.
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2

showing or expressing affection, love, or warmth toward someone

  • He gave her a tender kiss on the forehead.
  • They exchanged a tender embrace before parting.
  • The letter was full of tender memories.
  • She looked at him with tender affection.
  • His tender words reassured her completely.
3

(of food) easy to chew or cut

C1
  • The steak was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth.
  • She cooked the chicken slowly to ensure it remained juicy and tender.
  • The braised lamb shanks were incredibly tender, falling off the bone with ease.
  • They marinated the pork overnight to make it extra tender and flavorful.
  • The vegetables in the stew were cooked to perfection, tender but not mushy.
Antonyms:
4

sensitive or painful to the touch

  • His ankle was still tender after the injury.
  • The area around the wound felt tender.
  • She avoided pressing on the tender spot.
  • The dentist warned that her gums might be tender afterward.
  • His back remained tender for several days.
5

young, inexperienced, or immature

  • He began his career at a tender point in his life.
  • At such a tender stage, children need guidance.
  • They met during their tender teenage years.
  • The tender minds of youth are easily influenced.
  • She showed wisdom beyond her tender years.
6

not physically strong, tough, or resilient

  • Her tender hands showed she was unused to manual labor.
  • The fabric was too tender to withstand rough washing.
  • Their tender bodies struggled in the harsh environment.
  • The metal proved tender under pressure.
  • The tender wood cracked when exposed to heat.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
7

(of plants) delicate and easily damaged by cold or adverse conditions

  • The farmer lost several tender crops to the frost.
  • Gardeners protect tender seedlings with covers in early spring.
  • The tender herbs wilted in the sudden chill.
  • Tender tropical flowers require constant warmth.
  • He planted only tender varieties in the greenhouse.
8

(of a boat) easily inclined to tip or heel under sail

  • The yacht was tender and required careful handling in rough seas.
  • Novices found the tender boat difficult to balance.
  • The small dinghy proved tender in strong winds.
  • The sailor adjusted the sails to steady the tender craft.
  • A tender vessel reacts quickly to shifts in weight.