CRUMBLY Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

crumbly

adjective

ˈkrəm-b(ə-)lē

Definition of crumbly

as in brittle

having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure a crumbly shortbread cookie

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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 crumbly The middle is crumbly, moist and odorless, with bits of charcoal from long-ago fires. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 While the streusel topping is crumbly, the inside of the loaf is soft and fluffy; it’s also studded with a hefty amount of fresh raspberries. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2026 Too often, the crust is defined by its crumbly, hard-to-slice nature. — Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026 But for foods that are more crumbly and less stain-y, Miss Manners finds leather (or a stain-resistant slippery equivalent) a helpful material for getting things to slide right to the floor. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for crumbly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crumbly

Adjective

At Cafe Cuil on the Isle of Skye, the menu features properly traditional, coarse pinhead oats soaked in oat milk overnight and finished with a seasonal topping – currently, hazelnut brittle praline and poached pears.

— Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026
Unlike his ’80s productions, which sound understandably brittle by modern standards, the tracks Atkins dropped as Infiniti retain ample warmth and punch.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of brittle

Adjective

Made from 270-thread-count long-staple cotton, the sheets have a crisp, breathable feel that's especially attractive to hot sleepers who prefer something lighter than silky sateen.

— Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
Tuna salad mashed into tender flakes, speckled with crisp celery, onion, and herbs.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of crisp

Adjective

The soil is peat dark, friable, and gravid with potatoes, onions, sugar beet, lettuce, maize, and wheat that moves in dry, whispering sheets.

— Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
The second bottle, with confetti-ish contents, was equally useless—whatever had been inside had broken down into a friable mess.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026

Definition of friable

Browse Nearby Words

crumbling

crumbly

crumbs

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“Crumbly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crumbly. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of crumbly

adjective

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