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
There were numerous shades of blue inspired by the blue skies, crisp whites and tans. — Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 13 Mar. 2025 One wore a crisp white T-shirt that looked expensive with black wide-leg trousers. — Priscilla Posada, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
This action creates a convection effect that mimics a deep fryer to crisp and brown your food. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025 Alternatively, heat it in a toaster oven for 5 minutes to thaw and crisp the wrap in one go. — Laura McLively, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 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
  • Carol is brittle and reserved, but Blanchett is its resilient heart.
    — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The ivy on the wall behind the pool was brittle and charred, rubble littered the deck, and the water shone like a black mirror.
    — Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • The Omen Transcend dons a white chassis and is supported by a slim shaft with a hole in the center to keep the cords tidy.
    — PCMAG, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Interestingly, in one final sustainability twist, the packaging for each monitor can be reused to help keep the workspace tidy.
    — Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • This Side of the Island is a more concise and conceptual effort, compared to his last full-length, 2020’s The Loves of Your Life, which is a masterpiece of musical storytelling.
    — Frank DiGiacomo, Billboard, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Keeping prices down Bartell, who is the president of Bartell Hotels and the chairman of the San Diego Tourism Marketing District, attributes the extended success of Humphreys to a concise plan.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of concise
Verb
  • The disappearance of their son ripples through an accomplished ensemble piece that also includes excellent work from Sarayu Blue, Jack Huston, and especially Ji-young Yoo, who nearly steals the whole show.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In Baltimore, meanwhile, economic effects could ripple.
    — Evan Bush, NBC News, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of ripple
Adjective
  • Loewe announced his exit in a short statement shared exclusively with WWD.
    — Miles Socha, WWD, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Since its inception, the WAVE Grant has distributed nearly $100,000 in funding, supporting 19 short films with more than 10 festival premieres.
    — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of short
Adjective
  • Mel’s check is a standard-TV version of what birth usually looks like: a quick duck under the blanket, with everything neat and covered up.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025
  • These versatile spirits can be sipped neat, mixed into classic cocktails, or even paired with your favorite meals.
    — Emily Price, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • The tour through Rome’s historic center came after Francis made his first appearance in five weeks to give a thumbs-up and brief blessing from a hospital balcony.
    — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to her recurring role on Melrose Place as antagonistic neurosurgeon Dr. Irene Shulman, Young has guest starred on Bones, This Is Us, and made a brief appearance in the Marvel superhero threequel Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).
    — Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of brief
Verb
  • There’s a moment on the beach when Lochy ruffles his brother’s hair, and Saxon closes his eyes almost as if Lochlan’s a lover.
    — Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Cannon perfected courtside chic in a primarily black ensemble, which included a cropped black blazer with dramatic shoulders and cream-colored, ruffled accents near her wrists and neckline.
    — Jen Juneau, People.com, 5 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 2025.

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