crisp 1 of 2

1
as in brittle
having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure the bag of crisp cookies had a lot of crumbs on the bottom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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crisp

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crisp contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of crisp are brittle, fragile, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

When can brittle be used instead of crisp?

Although the words brittle and crisp have much in common, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is fragile a more appropriate choice than crisp?

In some situations, the words fragile and crisp are roughly equivalent. 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 crisp?

The words frangible and crisp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When could friable be used to replace crisp?

The meanings of friable and crisp largely overlap; 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 crisp
Adjective
Soft sheer curtains lining a wall create a dreamy Parisian look, while crisp cotton curtains are a natural fit in a farmhouse-style space. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024 The chicken wings could be the best of the bunch, with crisp skin lacquered in a sweet and spicy brown sugar glaze. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
When skin has crisped up, transfer chicken to a plate. Antonia Debianchi, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2024 There's nothing that crisps up a dish (or drink) faster than fresh, raw celery. Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crisp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisp
Adjective
  • This mineral helps promote bone density and strength to prevent injury and osteoporosis (a bone disease in which bones become weak and brittle).
    Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Dry air may not seem like the most pressing beauty issue, but according to Suzanne Friedler, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, changes in humidity can lead to issues like dry, brittle hair and leathery skin.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • It’s populated largely by white people, most of whom are grouped off into tidy nuclear families.
    Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The Carpenters’ workplace is a white suburban home that looks as if ripped straight out of a slasher — but here, tucked in a tidy warehouse of festival awards and memorabilia, the killer is already inside.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • Preferring fast-moving social media like TikTok, this generation is used to absorbing fast and concise information.
    Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • And, indeed, the lyrics to the two-tone takedown are precise and concise.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • The benefits of greening Denver’s schoolyards have rippled outward Landscape architect Lois Brink began thinking more about the impact of playgrounds after seeing the bleak yard at her children’s school.
    Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The shockwaves from that decision could ripple through the contentious House race.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The tasteful memorial features a short labyrinth walkway that ends at the sculpture of a miner holding a pick-axe and a harp, one of Ireland’s national symbols.
    James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
  • His short fiction has appeared in a variety of national literary magazines and anthologies.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In a way, this meme draws together disparate threads that have impacted the political discourse over the last few days into one neat package.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • International politics are too complicated for neat binaries.
    Daniel DePetris, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But just before the hearing’s start, Dickinson called both attorneys in for a brief sidebar, according to a motion filed by defense lawyer Annie Beles.
    Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Among the voters who stepped out despite the rain was reggaetón superstar Bad Bunny, who has derided the pro-statehood party and made a brief appearance at Dalmau’s campaign closer.
    Danica Coto, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Murmur of God between their slick, bent fingers ruffled the hair on the back of my neck.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 1 Nov. 2024
  • At Chloé, a gossamer, ruffled top looks decidedly modern when contrasted with leather separates (don’t miss the cape).
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crisp

Cite this Entry

“Crisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisp. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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