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 As a result, protein deficiency may lead to many symptoms, such as brittle hair and nails, mood changes, muscle weakness, and getting sick more often. Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025 Like a brittle leaf spiraling down a garden path, or the last cigarette passed between friends. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 In extreme cold, the plastic frames can become brittle and break. Joyce Orlando, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 But underneath the sleek interface is brittle architecture: outdated systems, duplicated routes and blind spots no AI can patch. Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for brittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle
Adjective
  • The wine features aromas of white flowers, crisp green apple, lemon zest, and Chablis’ trademark wet stone and flinty minerality.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • The screen is a good size at 3.2 inches, crisp at 2.1 million dots, and bright enough for use outdoors.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Gelato is very similar to ice cream, but only relies on milk instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter, icier texture than traditional homemade ice cream.
    Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Add melted butter and vanilla; stir until a crumbly mixture forms.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
  • Consider the saucy, crumbly meals that will be shared on its surface as well.
    Angela Tafoya, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Everyone’s temperature preferences differ—some sleep hot, others cold.
    Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
  • For evening or colder climates, go with the Parallel Pant.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • During the chandelier's cleaning process, the office said workers wear gloves to minimize human contact and ensure its integrity is not jeopardized because it is made up of soft and fragile materials.
    Keelin Fisher, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025
  • Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • This lunar feature is an enormous basaltic plain, which formed billions of years ago when lava flows flooded gigantic impact basins, before hardening in the frigid space environment.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 20 July 2025
  • People were even sharing frigid places to escape the heat.
    Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • For beginners, Bravo recommends starting with short sessions and using a handle for support while your body adapts.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Along the way, people asked him to orchestrate short pieces, then conduct some sessions.
    George Bradt, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tour included a chilly ice-cool tunnel, set up to mirror the cooling effect of Air 10's Ice Cooling tech.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 July 2025
  • On a chilly night in April 2023, Charlotte Walker got a text message.
    Tamia Fowlkes, jsonline.com, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brittle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on brittle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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