flaky

adjective

ˈflā-kē How to pronounce flaky (audio)
variants also flakey
Definition of flakynext
as in brittle
having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure a tender but flaky crust on the pastry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 flaky Cooler air and lower humidity pull moisture out of the skin, leaving the surface dull, rough and sometimes flaky. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026 Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and allow the marshmallow mixture to cool completely. — ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026 In the morning, the breakfast buffet brims with housemade hazelnut croissants, local thyme honey, flaky spanakopita, and bowls of olives, ruby tomatoes, and oregano-flecked feta. — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026 All of that dry, flaky skin will slough right off while the balm covers your lips in a cocoon of hydration. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 31 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaky
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaky
  1. brittle
  2. crisp
Adjective
  • At Cafe Cuil on the Isle of Skye, the menu features properly traditional, coarse pinhead oats soaked in oat milk overnight and finished with a seasonal topping – currently, hazelnut brittle praline and poached pears.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unlike his ’80s productions, which sound understandably brittle by modern standards, the tracks Atkins dropped as Infiniti retain ample warmth and punch.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • Made from 270-thread-count long-staple cotton, the sheets have a crisp, breathable feel that's especially attractive to hot sleepers who prefer something lighter than silky sateen.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Tuna salad mashed into tender flakes, speckled with crisp celery, onion, and herbs.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of crisp

Browse Nearby Words

flaking
flaky
flamboyance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flaky.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaky. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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