CRISP Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crisp 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkrisp

Definition of crisp

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

as in tidy

being clean and in good order a pretty, crisp bedspread for the guest room

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a crisp suggestion about what they could do with their boom box

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

crisp

2 of 2

verb

as in to ripple

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Dissimilar Words

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

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 crisp

Adjective

The question fascinated David Hilbert, a renowned mathematician who had devoted much of his life to rebuilding physics on a sturdy foundation of crisp axioms. — Quanta Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 For a classic exterior, the designer loves pairing a black roof with a crisp warm white or a soft warm greige for a more relaxed feel. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Much of the cooking here will happen skin-side down to allow the filet to crisp up. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 Increase oven temperature to 425°F to crisp the casings. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crisp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisp

Adjective

Many of the blades made late in the war were rushed through production, and many slipped through that were too brittle or too soft.

— David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
That moisturizing combination can benefit dry, brittle strands, too, since better lubricated hair creates less friction—and potentially less tangling and mechanical breakage—during brushing and styling.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of brittle

Adjective

Illinois’ chunk of that multistate settlement is certainly a tidy sum that could help chip away at Chicago Public Schools’ budget woes.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Below, experts provide legal advice on how to handle this situation and keep things as smooth as possible, along with simple yard cleaning tips to help keep your landscape tidy.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tidy

Adjective

In a statement, Labrador told the Idaho Statesman that the law clearly states both offices are responsible for writing clear and concise explanations of voter choices on ballot initiatives.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026
Longer messages Many providers would suggest clear, concise messages from their patients.

— Elise Haulund, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of concise

Verb

After all, what begins inside the body will always ripple out into the wider world.

— Robert Rubsam, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
Until that happens, there’s your growing discontent, and there are the distortions that ripple through your field whenever there’s a lack of clarity.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of ripple

Adjective

Tasted neat, in a classic martini, or in a Queen’s Cygnature Martini, that greatness is evident from first sip to last.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
That’s why these roll-ups are a staple at my own parties, plus some sort of chips with dip and, of course, drinks (a tequila neat is my go-to).

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of neat

Verb

The Shards will be yet another chance to collapse the line between real life and life onscreen, not to mention an opportunity to ruffle some feathers of the rigid cultural establishment in the process.

— Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Aug. 2026
Similar to Musk’s past real estate projects in Texas, including towering metal gates around his West Lake Hills compound, the mogul’s latest venture has ruffled the feathers of some locals.

— India Roby, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruffle

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“Crisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisp. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of crisp

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