How to Use tender in a Sentence

tender

1 of 3 adjective
Definition of tendernext
Synonyms for tendernext
  • Her wrist was swollen and tender.
  • He gave her a tender look.
  • She was tender and loving with her new child.
  • Cook the pasta until it is just tender.
  • With a sour cream and olive oil base, the cake stays moist and tender.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 7 July 2023
  • The meat is juicy and tender, the rub is spicy and flavorful, and the sauce is sweet and tangy.
    — Adam Dolge, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2023
  • The glazed shrimp were sweet and hot with a nice snap, and the best part was the tender and slightly spicy tilapia.
    — Linze Rice, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2023
  • The ribs appeared glossy, deep red, and well caramelized; the BBQ sauce was sticky and the meat was tender and moist.
    — Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2023
  • The only catch is if your bunion growth is large and tender.
    — Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 1 July 2023
  • Thomas Hardy’s rewrite: Where’s the flesh of the tender Dorset cow, whose herd is dying of bloat?
    — Marti Trgovich, The New Yorker, 8 July 2023
  • This film deals with very tender moments of lives which is very dear to me.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2023
  • The char siu chicken was the standout — juicy, tender, and a little sweet and smoky.
    — Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2024
  • The meatball is delectably tender in a sauce that’s smoky and slightly spicy all at once.
    — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2023
  • Turn the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the meat is tender, 1½–2 hours.
    — Sandra A. Gutierrez, Saveur, 11 Oct. 2023
  • Give it a stir. Cook on low 4-6 hours until meat is tender.
    — Rita Nader Heikenfeld, The Enquirer, 14 July 2023
  • Roast for 25-35 minutes, until the onion is caramelized and the eggplant is tender.
    — Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 24 June 2023
  • The $2 barbecue pork buns stole the show with their semi-sweet dough and tender pork.
    — Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 23 Mar. 2024
  • Sauté until the onion is tender, reduce the heat and add the julienned carrots.
    — Devorah Lev-Tov, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2023
  • Toss to coat then pour half of the glaze over the carrots; simmer until the carrots are tender.
    — The View, ABC News, 22 Nov. 2023
  • The stems, as noted, might be less tender and mild flavored but still safe.
    — oregonlive, 7 May 2023
  • Add broth to Dutch oven, cover and bake for 2 to 2½ hours, until meat is very tender when probed.
    — David Tanis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2023
  • Grill the zucchini for 2 to 3 minutes on a side, or until the planks are tender.
    — Sally Pasley Vargas, BostonGlobe.com, 18 July 2023
  • The fruit's rich flavor and tender flesh is amazing in stir-fries, casseroles, cobblers, soups, stews, and sauces.
    — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Dec. 2023
  • The next day, Ruba said that her back felt tender, because the debris had hit her with such force.
    — Claire Porter Robbins, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2024
  • Some audibly choked up at some of the more tender moments.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 21 Jan. 2024
  • Once the beef and garbanzos are just tender, taste the broth for seasoning.
    — Minerva Orduño Rincón, The Arizona Republic, 30 Mar. 2023
  • New to the menu are cubes of tender beef, stir-fried to glory in a wok with bay leaf, chile pepper and peppercorn oil.
    — Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 24 Jan. 2024
  • For more tender tortillas, try subbing butter or lard for the oil.
    — Joy Cho, Good Housekeeping, 17 Apr. 2023
  • This will also result in more tender egg whites and that perfect yolk.
    — Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024
  • If your rice is not tender after 20 minutes of cooking, drizzle over another ¼ cup or so of broth (or water).
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 11 Apr. 2024
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tender

2 of 3 noun
  • The edges of the skin crisp and crackle to offset the tender meat.
    — Ian Knauer, WSJ, 4 Jan. 2024
  • The toys and one tender are stored forward, out of sight.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2023
  • While the chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender, the meat was on the drier side.
    — Good Housekeeping, 5 June 2023
  • Despite his tender years, the Kid busted records around globe on the way to the top.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 14 Nov. 2023
  • When the ground beef is done, add the diced potatoes and cook them till tender.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023
  • The trendy tender will have plenty of street (or ocean?) cred, too.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 July 2023
  • The meat, hot or cold, tastes the most tender when sliced very thin; an electric knife does a good job.
    — Sunset Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023
  • The tender exchange felt like a full-circle moment for the trio.
    — Hanna Lustig, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2023
  • Try with spinach and other tender leaves, such as beet or chard.
    — Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023
  • Make the Sauce: Start by cooking the onion and garlic until tender.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024
  • To top it off, a side-loading tender bay can store a 20-foot runabout.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2023
  • Sweet, tender, and warm, this tasty breakfast bread can serve up to a dozen and will be your new favorite treat.
    — Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2024
  • Some are spicy and sharp while others are buttery and tender.
    — Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2023
  • And of course, a greasy plate of chicken tenders at Foosackly’s too.
    — Matt Cohen | [email protected], al, 12 Aug. 2023
  • The three exterior decks, meanwhile, are equipped with a pool, a beach club, and a garage for toys and tenders.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2023
  • Fried and baked fish, shrimp and chicken tenders dinners.
    — The Enquirer, 14 Feb. 2024
  • The Kurlsplus Paddle Comb glides through my hair and is so gentle on my tender scalp.
    — Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 8 Mar. 2023
  • Close lid and cook on high for 4 hours or until super tender.
    — ABC News, 10 Feb. 2023
  • The extra sugar helps make the outside edges crisp with a tender center.
    — Elizabeth Karmel, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
  • The tenders often stop to tap detailed notes into their phones concerning any changes in the health of the green things in their care.
    — Steven Kurutz, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2023
  • Prices at some smaller tender sales and auctions have risen between 5% and 10% in the past week as shortages of some stones start to emerge.
    — Thomas Biesheuvel, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2023
  • In their triumphant return, the tender morsels will be available in six- and nine-piece orders served with a side of Texas toast and creamy gravy.
    — Paul Stephen, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Mar. 2023
  • Another low-risk idea: Rub a drop or two of raw honey on that tender spot.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 18 Mar. 2024
  • This tender game about a sea kraken has sucked (pun intended) me in.
    — Adrienne So, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2023
  • In childhood flashbacks he’s played with a tender ache by Louis Kirwan.
    — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024
  • Despite the long wait time, the rice was perfectly cooked and slightly sticky with distinct tender grains.
    — Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2023
  • In a large to medium saucepot, cook beans until tender.
    — Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023
  • If the goats eat her vineyards’ tender buds, Rolland will lose more income and more heritage.
    — Catherine Porter, BostonGlobe.com, 15 Apr. 2023
  • The special Mother's Day meal includes a choice of eight pieces of bone-in chicken or eight of their crispy chicken tenders.
    — Sam Burros, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023
  • Simmer the meat in a large pot of water until tender, then add potatoes, cabbage and onion.
    — Christian Mysliwiec, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024
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tender

3 of 3 verb
  • The rice should be puffed up and tender on the outside, with a little bite in the middle.
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024
  • Their prime target is our roses’ tender new foliage, buds and blooms and the fresh new basal breaks at the base of the plant.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Sep. 2023
  • The cruise port allows up to four ships to dock at once, while any more remain in the harbor and tender to shore.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2023
  • Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this side will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
    — Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2023
  • Rich cream cheese keeps the dough tender and gives it a sweet tang, and more liquid prevents the dough from drying out.
    — Genevieve Ko, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2023
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast until the Brussels sprouts are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, 35 to 40 minutes.
    — Michael A. Gardiner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Jan. 2023
  • To top it off, the garage has enough space for a 23-foot tender, a crew tender, and a full arsenal of water toys.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2024
  • Cook on a medium-hot grill until marked all over and tender, then place on a serving platter.
    — Julia Turshen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
  • Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is opaque throughout and tender when pierced with a fork, about 30 minutes.
    — Janelle Davis, CNN, 7 Feb. 2023
  • For that to happen, Jackson would have to agree to the terms of a new contract and the Ravens, who would have the option to match any offer tendered, would have to decline to do so.
    — Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2023
  • The result is a crumbly corn cake that’s so crisp on the bottom and tender on top; the combination is simply heaven.
    — Julia Turshen, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
  • There are numerous recipes for the timeless dessert, but all the best lemon bars have a soft, sweet-tart filling and a cookie base that’s crisp around the edges and tender in the middle.
    — Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 13 July 2023
  • The tomato-y broth is the perfect compliment to tender meatballs and cheesy tortellini.
    — Lyda Jones Burnette, Country Living, 10 Jan. 2023
  • Our testers found that bread baked evenly and consistently, and cookies were moist and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
    — Laura Denby, Peoplemag, 18 July 2023
  • The crunchy exterior of the bird gives away to tender meat below and the spice washes over your palate, giving you heat, but not in a way that blows out your taste buds.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2022
  • With the correct cooking process, cauliflower wings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
    — Jessica Hickam & Jais Tollette, USA TODAY, 1 June 2022
  • Corn pudding should be soft and tender on the inside, but bake until just set before removing from the oven.
    — Emily Nabors Hall, Southern Living, 11 Nov. 2023
  • Prepared this way, chicken breasts will be cooked through, moist, and tender every single time.
    — Outside Online, 21 Oct. 2022
  • Like so many moments in Adlon’s free-form FX dramedy, the vignette is sad and funny, blunt and tender all at once.
    — Judy Berman, Time, 28 Feb. 2022
  • The key to tender, pillowy gnocchi is using a light touch and adding just enough flour to get the dough to a workable consistency (any more will toughen the dumplings).
    — Tina Martinez, Good Housekeeping, 8 Aug. 2023
  • Finally, pluck a small handful of mint leaves and tender cilantro sprigs, and arrange leafy lettuce cups on a platter.
    — Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2023
  • Our slow-cooker Salisbury steak is the low-and-slow approach to tender, melt-in-your-mouth ground beef topped with flavorful gravy.
    — Julia Levy, Southern Living, 17 Dec. 2023
  • Cook the steaks until charred and tender for a total of 10 minutes for medium-rare and 12 minutes for medium doneness.
    — Janelle Davis, CNN, 15 Apr. 2023
  • If necessary, reduce the heat to reach a low simmer (this will keep the meatballs tender), and cook until the meatballs and rice are cooked through, about 40 minutes.
    — Alexa Weibel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2023
  • Boyle was a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Packers didn’t tender him an offer.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2021
  • The meat is cooked to tender perfection and, together with the freshness of pickled red onion on top, is complete magic.
    — Jorge Valencia Mariano Fernandez, New York Times, 14 Nov. 2023
  • Crunchy on the outside and tender in the center, these irresistible fried pickle chips are a great appetizer for crowds of all sizes.
    — Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 5 July 2023
  • The bow area is dedicated to technical compartments and the outdoor garage, where tenders up to 23 feet are stored.
    — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2023
  • An offer sheet was tendered, and that offer sheet is the current basis for discussions.
    — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2023
  • Rebelliously tender Betty transformed the world around her and with her Gaitan found a poignant twist to the Ugly Duckling trope.
    — Emiliano Granada, Variety, 6 July 2023

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tender.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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