crisp 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkrisp How to pronounce crisp (audio)
Definition of crispnext
1
as in brittle
having a texture that readily breaks into little pieces under pressure the bag of crisp cookies had a lot of crumbs on the bottom

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in tidy
being clean and in good order a pretty, crisp bedspread for the guest room

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3
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a crisp suggestion about what they could do with their boom box

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crisp

2 of 2

verb

as in to ripple

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective crisp contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of crisp are brittle, fragile, frangible, and friable. While all these words mean "breaking easily," crisp implies a firmness and brittleness desirable especially in some foods.

crisp lettuce

When can brittle be used instead of crisp?

Although the words brittle and crisp have much in common, brittle implies hardness together with lack of elasticity or flexibility or toughness.

brittle bones

When is fragile a more appropriate choice than crisp?

In some situations, the words fragile and crisp are roughly equivalent. 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 crisp?

The words frangible and crisp are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frangible implies susceptibility to being broken without implying weakness or delicacy.

frangible stone used for paving

When could friable be used to replace crisp?

The meanings of friable and crisp largely overlap; 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 crisp
Adjective
Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki hit two-run home runs in a five-run fifth, and Colin Rea pitched into the seventh on a cool, crisp night at Wrigley Field. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2025 Slightly creamy with a crisp, honeyed and acidic finish. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Verb
Bake the potatoes for about 10 minutes, until the bottoms have started to crisp. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2025 Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and starting to crisp, about 5 minutes. —Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crisp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crisp
  1. brittle
  2. tidy
  3. concise
  4. ripple
  5. short
  6. neat
  7. brief
  8. ruffle
Adjective
  • Effortless, beachy waves that stay soft and bouncy, not brittle.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 May 2025
  • This deeply hydrating treatment offers touchable softness to brittle strands and delivers moisture directly to the cortex with a potent blend of squalane, humectants, and peptides.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 30 Apr. 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • The whole process should take 15 or 20 minutes total and will go a long way in keeping it tidy.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
  • Inside, four shelves help keep things tidy, and the lockable door means your stuff stays yours.
    — Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 8 May 2025
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • This means clear, concise disclosures on landing pages, in privacy policies and during any direct interaction.
    — William DeCourcy, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Conversely, Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, introduced himself to the public speaking Italian and Spanish, and greeted onlookers both in person and virtually with a concise speech about building bridges and fostering hope for a synodal church.
    — Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2025
Definition of concise
Verb
  • For companies ready to meet this moment, whether that is through community garden projects or other volunteer opportunities, the opportunity is clear: help people do good together, and that good will ripple outward—into the workplace, the community, and beyond. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
    — Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Since Trump assumed office in January, the Bay Area has rippled with frequent protests — both against his actions and the work of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 1 May 2025
Definition of ripple
Adjective
  • This photo provided by Guinness World Records shows Pearl, the world's shortest living dog, with Reginald, the world's tallest living dog, both certified by Guinness World Records, during a playdate in Idaho Falls, Idaho, April 5, 2025.
    — Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • Brunson, who was hosting for a second time, began to sing about being short.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 May 2025
Definition of short
Adjective
  • The alternative to traditional Medicare promises all the benefits of traditional Medicare in one neat private package.
    — Juliette Madrigal, Boston Herald, 12 May 2025
  • In a neat touch, screens simulate a window showing views of the Moon.
    — Adam Williams May 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • Based on specs and my brief time with the phone, this is the biggest drawback.
    — Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • Even a brief moment of genuine connection, such as listening without judgment or offering warmth and presence, can encourage a survivor to finally speak.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Definition of brief
Verb
  • The fit was central to Chloé’s collection of rocker-meets-free-spirit ruffled tops and statement coats.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 May 2025
  • Hogg has ruffled the feathers of some veteran Democrats since being elected the youngest vice chair in history back in February.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of ruffle

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Cite this Entry

“Crisp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crisp. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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