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 While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes. John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025 SheaMoisture’s African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Purification Masque, which is a game-changer for preventing dry, brittle ends. Talia Gutierrez, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2025 Agapanthus roots are fleshy and somewhat brittle. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025 But for curly and coily spa-goers, the dry saunas can wreak havoc on your fragile strands, leaving them brittle and prone to damage. Essence, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle
Adjective
  • Vandal Palma, takes an international approach to its menu, resulting in creative mixtures like a ceviche in a crisp, edible cone with coconut foam inspired by Thai and Peruvian flavors (€7).
    Emilio Parra Doiztua, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Spicy chili crisp, umami miso and vodka combined with funky pecorino romano combine to create something far greater than any of the individual parts.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Hornbein and Japanese Couloirs are defined by their steep, icy, and narrow conditions and the high risk of avalanches.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
  • If life ever existed on Mars, traces of it might still be frozen beneath the planet's icy surface.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But the results were papering over some crumbly performances.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Baking the cake unmixed creates a deliciously gooey cake that is crumbly and buttery on top.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Frankincense and resins open the composition, mingling with tonka and vanilla bean for a sensual, sophisticated, and addictive aroma that invites you to linger beside a boutique hotel’s flickering fireplace on a cold night.
    Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
  • This matching set’s rise to Amazon popularity couldn’t come at a better time, with cold weather and the holidays right around the corner.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • During an appearance on Fox News Channel this week, Mamdani sidestepped a question about whether Hamas should lay down arms as part of a fragile truce that has paused the two-year Israel-Hamas war.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Following a young woman navigating life after growing up in an orphanage, the film transforms her shrinking apartment into a dreamlike maze of memory and loss, using striking visual metaphors to explore belonging, self-worth, and the fragile hope of starting over.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even the entry-level rooms feel indulgent, with marble bathrooms, white damask bedcovers, and the occasional gas fireplace for frigid winter nights.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Oysters are cold-blooded creatures that hibernate if the water is too frigid.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With one out in the second, Caleb Durbin sent a drive into left field that Kiké Hernandez turned into a triple when his diving attempt came up short.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Facing fourth-and-short at midfield, the Vikings tried another quick toss to O’Brien.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Mauricio Pochettino saw the contrast this week when the USMNT swerved from one friendly in sunny Austin to another in relatively chilly Denver.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The unsatisfying partnerships and the chilly childhood, not-so-nurtured under British colonialism.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brittle. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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