frangibility 1 of 2

as in fragility
the state or quality of having a delicate structure the frangibility of the tree ornaments makes them inappropriate for handling by children

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

frangible

2 of 2

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective frangible contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of frangible are brittle, crisp, fragile, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When would brittle be a good substitute for frangible?

The meanings of brittle and frangible largely overlap; however, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is it sensible to use crisp instead of frangible?

In some situations, the words crisp and frangible are roughly equivalent. However, crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

When can fragile be used instead of frangible?

The synonyms fragile and frangible are sometimes interchangeable, but fragile implies extreme delicacy of material or construction and need for careful handling.

a fragile antique chair

When could friable be used to replace frangible?

Although the words friable and frangible have much in common, 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 frangibility
Adjective
Japanese officials confirmed that localizer structures near runways were sufficiently frangible. Grace Moon, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The barrier at the edge of the runway at Muan International Airport did not appear to be frangible, or have the ability to break apart, according to video footage and expert analysis, something investigators are likely to focus on. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 30 Dec. 2024 Solid fences are safer today thanks to safety features like frangible pins and MIM clips that make a fence fall or collapse when hit. Olivia Hampton, NPR, 5 June 2024 If the boat does not stop, the Interceptor pulls alongside and the agent fires with disintegrating frangible ammunition into the boat’s engine. New York Times, 28 Jan. 2021 Nagel pumped the shotgun and chambered the first frangible round. New York Times, 28 Jan. 2021 At 1,000 metres, a frangible bolt—which was supposed to detach explosively in the event of power loss to shed weight—broke off. The Economist, 6 Sep. 2019 Now the team, led by Professor of Computer Vision Paul Rosin, is asking for more texts too fragile to be opened, hoping to ease the burden on historical researchers hesitant to examine the frangible objects. Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, 4 Oct. 2018 Details needed to be worked out, such as a requirement that school guns fire only frangible bullets, which break apart into small pieces and are unlikely to pass through victims, as a way to limit the danger to innocent students. Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 19 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for frangibility
Adjective
  • Their batting line-up appeared particularly fragile.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • One or even two pink-collar jobs means a fragile hold in the middle class (at best); the best defense against downward mobility is a blue-collar job, only 17 percent of which are held by women.
    Joan C. Williams June 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Too often, however, the systems behind it are brittle—swelling during periods of hypergrowth and collapsing under the weight of a downturn.
    Kehinde Fawumi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • For a more intensive, wash-day treatment, consider Sutra’s hair mask packed with hyaluronic acid and plant proteins to transform dry, brittle strands after just ten minutes.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 June 2025
  • If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Frangibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frangibility. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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