crisp

13 synonyms and 3 antonyms for crisp, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Adj — Firm and easily broken, in a satisfying way (used for food, fabric, or air).

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

chip

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

crunchy brisk laconic nippy frizzly frizzy frosty crispy nappy nipping curt kinky

Synonyms by Meaning

1. adj

Firm and easily broken, in a satisfying way (used for food, fabric, or air).

“The apple was crisp and juicy.”

crunchy brisk laconic nippy frizzly frizzy frosty crispy nappy nipping curt kinky

Opposites

flabby

2. adj

Clear, sharp, and precise.

“He gave a crisp answer without hesitation.”

Opposites

verbose prolix

3. noun

British English: a thin fried slice of potato sold as a snack (called a "chip" in American English).

“She opened a bag of salt and vinegar crisps.”

chip

How to use crisp

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

crisp air crisp voice a packet of crisps

Etymology

From Old English crisp, "curly," from Latin crispus — originally describing curly hair, later extended to the crackly, brittle sense we use today.

Full origin of crisp →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crisp” mean?

The word “crisp” means firm and easily broken, in a satisfying way (used for food, fabric, or air). In plain terms, firm and pleasingly brittle, or clear and precise; in British English, also a fried potato snack.

How do you pronounce “crisp”?

“Crisp” is pronounced krihsp (/kɹɪsp/ in IPA).

How do you use “crisp” in a sentence?

Here is “crisp” used in a sentence: “The apple was crisp and juicy.”

What part of speech is “crisp”?

Depending on how it is used, “crisp” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “crisp” come from?

The word “crisp” comes from Latin. From Old English crisp, "curly," from Latin crispus — originally describing curly hair, later extended to the crackly, brittle sense we use today.

Is “crisp” a common word?

“Crisp” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “crisp” have?

“Crisp” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: firm and easily broken, in a satisfying way (used for food, fabric, or air).

What is the difference between a crisp and a chip?

In British English, a crisp is a thin fried slice of potato sold as a snack, while in American English the same snack is called a "chip." American English reserves "crisp" mainly as an adjective describing texture, whereas British English uses it as the noun for the snack itself.

What does crisp mean when describing weather or air?

When describing weather, crisp means cold, fresh, and invigorating, often used for clear autumn or winter days, as in "a crisp morning." This sense draws on the adjective's core meaning of being sharp and pleasingly firm, applied metaphorically to the feel of the air.

People also searched

chip crispy kinky frosty brisk curt crunchy laconic verbose nappy nippy flabby

Nearby words

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