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

Relevance

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 Tricia, long jealous of Sam’s relationship with Holly, has built around her life a brittle exterior that inevitably shatters. —

Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 While the winter months tend to cause similar damage—flaky skin, brittle strands, itchy scalps, and the like—a drought can require more extensive treatment to bring such troubles to heel. —

Taylore Glynn, Vogue, 27 Nov. 2024 If your hair is dry, brittle, or dull, use this to bring back that luster and bounce. —

Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024 For four weekends through Dec. 22, attendees can walk through the Square lined with vendors offering five golden rings (and permanent jewelry), Blitzen’s BBQ, Christmas tamales, or even bacon brittle if figgy pudding isn’t your thing. —

Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brittle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle

Adjective

The coating can be a little uneven, with some parts thin and crisp and others clumpy, but overall the tenders offer a nice crunch.

Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
Cook over medium-low, flipping often, until rendered and crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.

Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024