BRITTLE Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'brittle' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of brittle are crisp , fragile , frangible , and friable . While all these words mean "breaking easily," brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness. // brittle bones

Q: When could 'crisp' be used to replace 'brittle'?

The synonyms crisp and brittle are sometimes interchangeable, but crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods. // crisp lettuce

Q: In what contexts can 'fragile' take the place of 'brittle'?

The meanings of fragile and brittle largely overlap; however, fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling. // a fragile antique chair

Q: When would 'frangible' be a good substitute for 'brittle'?

While the synonyms frangible and brittle are close in meaning, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy. // frangible stone used for paving

Q: When might 'friable' be a better fit than 'brittle'?

In some situations, the words friable and brittle are roughly equivalent. However, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized. // friable soil

brittle

adjective

ˈbri-tᵊl

Definition of brittle next

as in crisp

having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure a brittle cracker that turned into crumbs in my pocket

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in icy

lacking in friendliness or warmth of feeling a brittle apology that was anything but heartfelt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective brittle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of brittle are crisp, fragile, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When could crisp be used to replace brittle?

The synonyms crisp and brittle are sometimes interchangeable, but crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

In what contexts can fragile take the place of brittle?

The meanings of fragile and brittle largely overlap; however, fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

When would frangible be a good substitute for brittle?

While the synonyms frangible and brittle are close in meaning, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When might friable be a better fit than brittle?

In some situations, the words friable and brittle are roughly equivalent. However, friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

Examples 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 brittle As the winds howled, more embers took flight, sparking new fires in dry, brittle brushlands that hadn’t seen significant rain in over eight months. —

Hannah Singleton, WIRED, 8 Jan. 2025 Yet, excessive heat may cause linen to lose its structure and become brittle. —

Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2025 Additionally, when baking at high heat (above 425°F), parchment paper could scorch or become brittle. —

Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2024 Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become so brittle that a fall or even a mild stress might cause a fracture. —

Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle

Adjective

Photographed by Shina Peng Around the world, preparations are currently underway for the Lunar New Year—whether that’s adding the final splash of sesame oil to a dumpling filling, or stuffing red envelopes with wads of crisp cash.

— Ingu Chen, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2025
Whatever the style, a relaxed coastal flair is prized among the most beloved Hamptons properties, and this $19 million spread in Bridgehampton seamlessly blends timeless, traditional architecture with modern materials and crisp styling.

— Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025