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Definition of tightrope

tightrope

/ˈtaɪt.roʊp/
tight · rope
Plural:tightropes
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tightrope Lexical Profile

tightrope Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A precariously balanced or difficult situation requiring careful management of competing pressures.

Example

"The central bank is walking a tightrope between controlling inflation and triggering a recession."

2

A tightly stretched rope or wire high above the ground, on which acrobats perform balancing acts.

Example

"The acrobat gracefully traversed the tightrope without a safety net, thrilling the breathless audience."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tightrope
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tightrope

• Nearby Words

tightknit
tightly
tightness
tightrope
tights
tightwad
tightwire

Word Origin & Etymology

Late 18th century: A compound formed from 'tight' (meaning taut or stretched) and 'rope'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tightrope. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tightrope
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