Meaning & use

tender

adjective·Everyday

Gentle, caring, and showing affection or sensitivity toward someone.

See it in a sentence

She gave her son a tender hug before he left for his first day of school.

The meat was so tender it fell apart easily with just a fork.

A note on using this word

Tender can describe emotional warmth, physical softness (tender meat), or sensitivity to pain (a tender bruise); context determines which sense applies.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To formally offer or submit something, such as a resignation or a bid for a contract.

After the scandal, the minister decided to tender her resignation immediately.

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