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
The green in the fabric’s pattern echoes the wall color, while the creamy white provides crisp contrast. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Jan. 2025 On her feet too, her go-to, crisp white sneakers: the Autry Medalist low-top leather and suede sneakers. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
Then pat them dry (rinse first, if salted), and crisp them in a splash of oil to create a textural topping for roasted vegetables or a bowl of soup. Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024 As the air begins to crisp and the first hints of autumn emerge, Labor Day weekend marks a transition from summer’s warmth to fall’s embrace, offering a final celebration of summer while nodding to the hard-working spirit that shaped our nation. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crisp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisp
Adjective
  • And that this age of darkness will pass the way winters Pass when strong sap rises under the brittle bark.
    Czeslaw Milosz, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
  • That first orgasm, a brittle, unenthusiastic moan rippling as the A24 logo fills the screen, isn’t so much experienced as performed.
    Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Its tidy exterior is clad in a wood-look plank siding trimmed in white to coordinate with a range of architectural styles.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The move to fold up the tent came at the close of a week marked by Disney’s deal to merge its Hulu + Live streamer with Fubo TV, which in turn brought a tidy end to the latter’s legal challenge against the Venu partners.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Asking other people clear, concise questions can show empathy or establish your credibility, communication expert Matt Abrahams told CNBC Make It last year.
    Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Effective Communication Effective leadership always involves clear and concise communication.
    Chris Williams, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Like how sea stars impact entire food chains, leadership behaviors ripple through entire organizations, influencing morale, engagement, and productivity.
    Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The emotional toll has rippled across the industry.
    Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • From lightweight jackets for the fluffier dogs to heavy winter jackets, lined with fleece for the short hairs, there’s an option for every kind of dog on this list.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The short set slips nearly 30 spaces this time around, declining from No. 106 to No. 135.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly every piece of furniture has a special detail that helps the decor elude neat classifications.
    Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Govee Gaming Pixel Light Govee makes some neat products and the new Gaming Pixel Light looks like another winner, especially for those who enjoy pixel art.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Smoke-eaters had a chance to gain the upper hand on Sunday with a brief break in the winds but the National Weather Service warned that powerful gusts could soon return.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • The pair exchanged a few words during the brief interaction.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His comments about the Boston Celtics ruffled Pat Riley's feathers.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • In recent weeks, the incoming president has ruffled foreign leaders by proposing potential additions to the U.S. through the purchase of Greenland and reacquisition of the Panama Canal.
    Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near crisp

Cite this Entry

“Crisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisp. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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