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

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 brittle If your hair is feeling frizzy, dry, or brittle, investing in a deep conditioner or hair mask will do wonders. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 11 June 2025 Both leads are superb, equally aggravated and aggravating, brittle with neuroses that occasionally relax and part to reveal gentle need. Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 May 2025 Accordingly, Abbas has presided over a period in which many of the nascent institutions created by Oslo are, at best, brittle. Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025 If Elden Ring — and the many FromSoftware games in its lineage — is about individual improvement, about experimenting with playstyles and adjusting your way of thinking until a brick wall becomes brittle before finally crumbling, then Nightreign is about improving as a team. Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for brittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle
Adjective
  • The team wasn’t crisp, the hustle plays went Indiana’s way given the difference in effort and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd fueled the Pacers on each of their runs, throwing punch after punch.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Bake in preheated oven until slightly crisp and starting to turn golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Stock tip: Migrate to icier territories… Aston Villa 6/1 Last five results: WLWWW A two-goal deficit to overcome in the Champions League quarter-final return leg against Paris Saint-Germain next week likely spells the end of Villa’s European aspirations.
    Brett Koremenos, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • The relationship between Ye and Cole has been icy for some time.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Consider the saucy, crumbly meals that will be shared on its surface as well.
    Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2025
  • And in baked products like Millionaire’s Shortbread, the cornstarch lends that characteristic crumbly tenderness to the cookie’s texture.
    Molly Baz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Some Ice Cream Cream City Ice Cream & Coffeehouse has more than 40 homemade flavors to choose from, plus hot and cold espresso drinks.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • Other ways to stay safe during the heat wave include drinking lots of water, wearing light clothing, keeping ovens and stoves shut off and cooling off with a cold bath or ice packs, officials said.
    William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the span of a week, the U.S. shifted from the brink of global conflict to a fragile ceasefire.
    Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025
  • This admission comes amid escalating tensions and a fragile ceasefire following deadly clashes between Iran and Israel.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The boat capsized just before 3 p.m., tossing all ten occupants into the frigid waters of Lake Tahoe.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
  • Preservation tools and techniques Surviving the area’s elements, particularly the long and frigid winters, is easier said than done, though.
    Paul Nicolaus, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, Nuno will always be reminded about his short and unsuccessful stint at Tottenham Hotspur.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Long story short, Shaulis made some unflattering comments about Paucek on social media.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • While the rail cars can get pretty chilly, the train station is usually sweltering—that’s where this Spanx set comes in.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 25 June 2025
  • Outside, there’s a covered limestone dining terrace with overhead heat lamps for taking the nip off chilly nights and a lounge area for watching TV.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brittle. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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