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 Trump’s approach appeared to be built on an assumption that China’s economy was brittle, and Beijing would buckle under pressure. Ryan Hass, Time, 30 May 2025 In more recent editions, the bedrock was described as brittle by many experienced climbers and mountain guides. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025 Because hair is made up of protein—specifically keratin—this is major, and can help prevent hair from becoming brittle and breaking. Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 28 May 2025 Designed for those with dry, brittle hair in need of a cleansing or conditioning boost, the high-quality bars are both paraben- and sulfate-free and made to last up to 100 washes, according to the brand. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for brittle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brittle
Adjective
  • The name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • My husband had never had a dosa, which is a crisp crepe, rolled into a giant cone and served with sambar, a lentil stew, and coconut chutney for dipping.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 5 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
  • Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 5 May 2025
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins Servings: 20 Yield: 40 Cookies Jump to Nutrition Facts Carrot cake gets a crumbly, buttery makeover in this clever twist on two classics: spiced shortbread and everyone’s favorite springtime dessert.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The October air was cold, the grass brown, but Emily’s face was hot and her breath fast.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025
  • Marc: The beginning — when the titular character is crying, and then immediately switches from sobbing into the camera to being this cold and calculating person.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • Their batting line-up appeared particularly fragile.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • When Klarna struck a partnership deal with food delivery group DoorDash in March, journalists seized on the notion of consumers paying for pizzas in installments as evidence of BNPL lenders tempting customers to overextend in a fragile economy.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Then, the knives failed him — another hot streak ended by a frigid stretch.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 15 June 2025
  • Could alien microbes frolic in lakes of boiling acid or frigid liquid methane, or float in water droplets in Venus’ upper atmosphere?
    Daniel Apai, Space.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • That memory is a very short but powerful memory to me.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • Pool offers a short menu of beef burgers, turkey burgers, hot dogs and fries.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Wear it over a tank top on chilly nights or pair it with jeans for a sophisticated yet casual look.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 11 June 2025
  • The impromptu show went on until about 4 a.m. Afterward, a bulk of guests exited the venue — as some lined up to enter — and piled up on the windy, slightly chilly street awaiting their taxis.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brittle. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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