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
While there is definite fruit on the palate, there is also a crisp acidity that keeps it from being overripe. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025 Once hot, add eggs, sprinkle with sesame seeds and fry for 3-4 minutes until the edges are crisp and the whites are completely set. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
Return roast to oven 10 minutes to crisp the exterior. —Jan Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Nov. 2024 Air fryers circulate hot air to crisp up food without deep frying—which is technically a form of convection cooking, though a somewhat more focused and intense one. —Meg St-Esprit, Bon Appétit, 18 Mar. 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
  • As the skin became more brittle, the hair fell out and the fatty layer beneath began to show more through the years, the white color faded, researchers said.
    — Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
  • It's enriched with black castor oil to nourish the scalp and stimulate hair growth and coconut oil to hydrate dry and brittle strands.
    — Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of brittle
Adjective
  • This aversion to water can also be justified by their love of a tidy coat, which water can easily dishevel.
    — Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Some residences under $5 million embody a level of splendor that defies tidy definitions.
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of tidy
Adjective
  • Refine your key points to be clear and concise—no rambling monologues.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • As the celebration on the floor dispersed to make way for the second national semifinal, Clayton could be seen greeting every teammate and staffer who offered a handshakes or a hug with a concise message.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of concise
Verb
  • This volatility seems to go hand in hand with a political shift: an administration seemingly indifferent to, or unconcerned with, how its policies and rhetoric ripple outward.
    — Alex Ashley, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025
  • These tariffs will ripple through the economy, making everything pricier.
    — Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of ripple
Adjective
  • But the short answer either way was: Good God, yes!
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The roster of those who have fallen short magnifies the challenge.
    — Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of short
Adjective
  • Over the next two hours, jeweler and collector pored over nearly 40 pieces, separating them into neat piles.
    — Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • They can be enjoyed sipped neat or poured over ice.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • During a brief news conference, Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said officials could not take questions, citing the ongoing investigation and pending litigation.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The show had a brief run Off Broadway in 1996, then lived on with a miniature national tour and a beloved cast recording.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of brief
Verb
  • The fluttery, ruffled sleeves won’t restrict movement with too-tight fabric while still keeping you cool as temperatures rise, and a tiered skirt allows easy movement with every step.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • There’s so much to love about this long eyelet dress, from its quarter-length bell sleeves to the tiered skirt and ruffled hemline.
    — Emily Weaver, People.com, 23 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 24 Apr. 2025.

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