Synonyms of flaky

flaky

adjective

ˈflā-kē 

variants also flakey

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of flaky

Gold Bond recently released its Refreshing Hand Creams, a collection of four lightly scented, ultra-hydrating hand creams that stave off scaly, flaky hands without leaving behind a greasy residue. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026

Notably, like my favorite Make Beauty skin tint, the concealer is super moisturizing, and dries down to look like an extension of my skin rather than settling into fine lines with a papery, flaky finish. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 1 July 2026

Lymph nodes cluster heavily in this area, and poor circulation through them can produce acne along the jaw and neck, dry or flaky skin, eczema flare-ups or unexplained rashes. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2026

Poor circulation there may also show up as dry or flaky skin, eczema flare-ups or unexplained rashes. — Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026