Synonyms of crumbly

crumbly

adjective

ˈkrəm-b(ə-)lē 

as in brittle

having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure

a crumbly shortbread cookie

Synonyms & Similar Words

• brittle
• crisp
• friable
• flaky
• crisped
• crispy
• short
• fragile
• brickle
• crunchy
• crusty
• embrittled
• delicate
• crackly
• breakable
• crispened

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• elastic
• flexible
• resilient
• pliable
• strong
• tough
• sturdy
• pliant

Example Sentences

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