FRIABLE Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'friable' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of friable are brittle , crisp , fragile , and frangible . While all these words mean "breaking easily," friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized. // friable soil

Q: When is it sensible to use 'brittle' instead of 'friable'?

The words brittle and friable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness. // brittle bones

Q: Where would 'crisp' be a reasonable alternative to 'friable'?

The meanings of crisp and friable largely overlap; however, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods. // crisp lettuce

Q: When is 'fragile' a more appropriate choice than 'friable'?

The synonyms fragile and friable are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling. // a fragile antique chair

Q: When can 'frangible' be used instead of 'friable'?

While the synonyms frangible and friable are close in meaning, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy. // frangible stone used for paving

friable

adjective

ˈfrī-ə-bəl

Definition of friable next

as in brittle

having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure sand dollars are friable, so handle them carefully

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective friable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of friable are brittle, crisp, fragile, and frangible. While all these words mean "breaking easily," friable applies to substances that are easily crumbled or pulverized.

friable soil

When is it sensible to use brittle instead of friable?

The words brittle and friable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

Where would crisp be a reasonable alternative to friable?

The meanings of crisp and friable largely overlap; however, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

When is fragile a more appropriate choice than friable?

The synonyms fragile and friable are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

When can frangible be used instead of friable?

While the synonyms frangible and friable are close in meaning, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

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 friable Foods that are rich in seasoning or flavor, like that delectable sweet potato casserole should probably be avoided as should any turkey that is on the bone as these bones are friable and can be easily crushed into sharp shards which can wreak havoc on a GI tract. —

Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 21 Nov. 2024 All beds are mulched to prevent water loss and to keep the soil friable. —

Sacramento Bee, 30 Jan. 2024 What is Leaf Mold? Simply put, leaf mold is a valuable soil conditioner that can be made by leaving leaves to decompose into a crumbly, friable mulch or potting ingredient. —

Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 7 Sep. 2023 The hammers fell hard on LeMond’s friable frame. —

Adrienne So, Wired, 14 Sep. 2021 The paper is cheap, friable, the glue impermanent. —

John Warner, chicagotribune.com, 23 Aug. 2021 Does the compost have a dark, friable texture? —

oregonlive, 14 Aug. 2021 The meteorite in question is not a hard, dense rock, but actually very soft and friable (crumbly). —

Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2011 The rock beneath the massive flood deposits was relatively friable volcanic rock, easily broken and carved. —

Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Apr. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for friable

Adjective

The singer/songwriter’s voice had transformed into something lower and more weathered with her drug usage, and the set drew rave reviews for its modern sounds and brittle energy.

— Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2025
Osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones, becomes a significant concern for both women and men, particularly those leading sedentary lifestyles.

— Dana Santas, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025