crumble
7 synonyms and 3 antonyms for crumble, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break apart into small pieces or fall to ruin.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use crumble
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
crumble under pressure
apple crumble
start to crumble
Etymology
From an older form crymble, related to "crumb" with a diminutive ending.
Full origin of crumble →Frequently asked questions
What does “crumble” mean?
The word “crumble” means to break apart into small pieces or fall to ruin. In plain terms, to fall apart into pieces, or the classic British baked fruit dessert.
How do you pronounce “crumble”?
“Crumble” is pronounced KRUHM-buhl (/ˈkɹʌmbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “crumble” in a sentence?
Here is “crumble” used in a sentence: “The old wall crumbled under the weight of the tree.”
What part of speech is “crumble”?
Depending on how it is used, “crumble” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “crumble” a common word?
“Crumble” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “crumble” have?
“Crumble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break apart into small pieces or fall to ruin.
