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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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
Let soak for 15 to 20 minutes to get crisp, then drain. —The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 Cook, undisturbed, until charred and crisp on the underside and browned at least halfway up the sides, 6 to 8 minutes. —Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 20 May 2025
Verb
Food The top 10 Italian spots in L.A. from the 101 Best Restaurants guide March 14, 2024 The texture switches from chewy to soft, creamy to crisp in every spoonful. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 Letting the bacon slowly render its fat as the pan comes to temperature helps promote nice, even crisping. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 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
  • Trump’s approach appeared to be built on an assumption that China’s economy was brittle, and Beijing would buckle under pressure.
    — Ryan Hass, Time, 30 May 2025
  • In more recent editions, the bedrock was described as brittle by many experienced climbers and mountain guides.
    — David Bressan, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • Keep it tidy with some storage for your gear so your space feels organized, not chaotic.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Memorial Day is a great time to buy a lawnmower Warm weather has arrived, and with that comes yardwork to keep your home tidy.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 22 May 2025
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • In a concise 30-to-45-minute session, volunteers learn to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, validate the veterans' experience, and expedite referral to services—summarized by the acronym SAVE.
    — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
  • Scheduling a concise daily standup meeting can keep alignment tight.
    — Max Avery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of concise
Verb
  • But the massive uncertainty caused by Trump’s policies have started to negatively ripple through the economy by affecting how consumers and businesses spend.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
  • With nearly eight decades under his belt, his influence continues to ripple across generations of artists and fans alike.
    — Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Definition of ripple
Adjective
  • But in the end, like so often before, their effort fell just short.
    — Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • In a short address to the squad on Monday evening, Wiegman expressed, in front of Earps, sentiments of frustration, disappointment and anger at Earps’ decision before walking out of the room.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 28 May 2025
Definition of short
Adjective
  • All five are exceptional and function equally well when served neat or as a cocktail base.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • The instruction booklet is thorough, and filled with lots of neat science titbits and facts too.
    — Ian Stokes, Space.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • Just a brief walk from the preserve’s entrance, this unique grotto reveals a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool.
    — Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • India is emerging after a brief conflict with Pakistan, with a ceasefire thankfully appearing to hold for now.
    — Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of brief
Verb
  • Despite having good intentions, this may ruffle some feathers or cause financial distress.
    — Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
  • Here’s why May 23, 2025 Outside the golf resort, a stiff wind kicked up, ruffling the palm trees and sending small waves across a water hazard on the 18th green — an obvious metaphor for these blustery and unsettled times.
    — Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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