perishable

adjective

Definition of perishablenext
as in fragile
likely to spoil or decay quickly; not likely to stay fresh for a long time if not eaten or used Don't buy large amounts of perishable foods like produce before you leave for vacation.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of perishable Brewed tea is a perishable beverage susceptible to bacterial growth, which can pose a risk of foodborne illness. — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026 And he’s allowed his employees to store perishable food in the company’s commercial freezers. — Rick Jervis, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 Investigators are focused on collecting perishable evidence on the scene of the crash. — Aaron Cooper, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 Tuesday was the first full day the NTSB team was on the ground at the crash site, and their focus was to collect perishable evidence, such as drone images, videos of the plane, and tire marks on the runways, Homendy said. — Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perishable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perishable
  1. fragile
  2. sensitive
  3. delicate
  4. susceptible
  5. vulnerable
Adjective
  • Despite the encouraging news, scientists stress that caution remains essential as the island’s fragile ecosystem faces serious environmental threats.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Saturday marks a year since a fragile ceasefire took effect, while Israeli strikes continue.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of fragile
Adjective
  • Another network had received the notification by late Saturday, according to a person familiar with the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share sensitive details.
    — Miriam Waldvogel, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Pictet seemed sensitive to the moral risk of going into Syria for the wrong reasons.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of sensitive
Adjective
  • Try a cider flight to experience several of Seminary Hill’s delicate and impressive ciders which range from semi-dry to dry and from still to sparkling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But Democrats don’t have to share the spotlight with the president, so their balancing acts are not as delicate as those confronting their Republican opponents.
    — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Up to 9 out of 10 people who are susceptible will get the virus if exposed, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The most susceptible areas will be Long Beach and the Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday and then Malibu through Ventura County from Wednesday through Friday.
    — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of susceptible
Adjective
  • The network of large bases that Washington built after the 1991 Gulf War is now vulnerable to Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, offering Tehran targets and leverage rather than deterring it from taking military action.
    — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Inflation risks mount India is among the countries most vulnerable to the supply disruptions caused by the Iran war.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of vulnerable

Browse Nearby Words

perish
perishable
perished
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Cite this Entry

“Perishable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perishable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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