CRUMBLE Synonyms: 66 Similar and Opposite Words

crumble

verb

ˈkrəm-bəl

Definition of crumble

as in to deteriorate

to become worse or of less value the stock of the energy company crumbled after the revelations of fraud and mismanagement

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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 crumble The violence at the weekend, which led to some 2,400 arrests, followed weeks of protests by French students angry about crumbling schools, a lack of teachers and dismal job prospects. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2026 The energy crisis coupled with crumbling infrastructure have sent prices of basic goods skyrocketing. — Matt Gutman, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally to crumble, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026 The drawing, which depicts a crumbling stone arcade spanning a body of water, is being sold by Oxford, UK, auction house Mallams, where it is expected to fetch between £40,000 and £60,000 ($53,000 to $79,000). — News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crumble

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crumble

Verb

Such a summit would be unprecedented and deeply alarming to Ukraine’s European allies, particularly as relations between Washington and Kyiv deteriorate.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026
The situation deteriorated further after the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of deteriorate

Verb

But this morning an air of foreboding awakened me, and my little fishing barometer was already descending past the 29 mark.

— Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Authorities say Riek and his passengers were flying to Menominee from Kenosha, and the NTSB said Riek reported icing on the wings and needed to descend.

— Frankie McLister, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of descend

Verb

The 20 countries at greatest risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis, ranked by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) annually in our Emergency Watchlist, represent just 12% of the global population, but 90% of those in humanitarian need.

— David Miliband, Time, 19 Oct. 2026
Both have become tools for wealthy families seeking easier travel or a fallback if political and economic conditions worsen at home.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of worsen

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crumb

crumble

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“Crumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crumble. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of crumble

verb

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