Crumble — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈkrəm-bəl/ crum·ble

Meaning & Definition of Crumble

Crumble (verb)

  1. to break into small pieces
  2. to fall into small pieces, disintegrate
  3. to break down completely, collapse

Crumble (noun)

  1. something crumbled, fine debris
  2. crisp

Crumble (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to become worse or of less value

    "the stock of the energy company crumbled after the revelations of fraud and mismanagement"

    similar: atrophy, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, worsen, go to pot, go to seed
    related: abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag, slip, waste (away), weaken, wilt
    opposite: ameliorate, improve, meliorate
    near: better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Crumble

The most common words with a similar meaning to Crumble:

atrophy, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb, regress, retrograde, rot, sink, worsen, go to pot, go to seed

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Crumble

Words with the opposite meaning of Crumble:

ameliorate, improve, meliorate

Related Words for Crumble

abate, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, recede, wane, break down, corrupt, decompose, degrade, dilapidate, disintegrate, molder, putrefy, sour, spoil, lessen, lower, reduce, debilitate, undermine, droop, fail, fall, flag, lag, languish, run down, sag

Near Antonyms of Crumble

better, upgrade, enhance, enrich, fortify, heighten, intensify, strengthen, advance, develop, march, proceed, progress

Word Forms of Crumble

Inflections: crumbled, crumbling

Origin & Etymology of Crumble

alteration of Middle English kremelen, frequentative of Old English gecrymian to crumble, from cruma

First known use: 1547t

Frequently Asked Questions about Crumble

What does "Crumble" mean?

"Crumble" means to break into small pieces. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to break into small pieces.

What is another word for "Crumble"?

Other words for "Crumble" include atrophy, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve and ebb. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Crumble" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Crumble"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Crumble". Common alternatives include atrophy, decay, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, devolve, ebb, regress and retrograde.

What is the opposite of "Crumble"?

Antonyms of "Crumble" include ameliorate, improve and meliorate. Near antonyms include better, upgrade, enhance and enrich.

How do you use "Crumble" in a sentence?

Examples of "Crumble" in a sentence: "the stock of the energy company crumbled after the revelations of fraud and mismanagement".

Is "Crumble" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Crumble" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Crumble"?

"Crumble" is pronounced /ˈkrəm-bəl/ and divided into syllables as crum·ble.

What is the origin of the word "Crumble"?

"Crumble" comes from alteration of Middle English kremelen, frequentative of Old English gecrymian to crumble, from cruma. First known use: 1547t.