crusty

adjective

ˈkrə-stē 

crustier; crustiest

1

: having or being a crust

2

: giving an effect of surly incivility in address or disposition

crustily

ˈkrə-stə-lē 

adverb

crustiness

ˈkrə-stē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• blunt
• gruff
• abrupt
• short
• outspoken
• brusque
• curt

Choose the Right Synonym for crusty

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Examples of crusty in a Sentence

a basket of warm, crusty bread

We could see deer tracks in the crusty snow bank.

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether shown vigorously doing push-ups (the elderly actor is still in tremendous shape) or in tender moments with O’Toole that remind us that sensuality needn’t diminish with age, Glenn owns the film from first moment to last, investing his crusty character with dignity and subtle humor. —Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025

Just as the lack of new features should please some crusty Windows users, so too should the company’s decision not to remove anything significant. —Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025

Serve with crusty bread to absorb all of the juices. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

Best Restaurants Jen’s Artisan Breads Warm, fragrant, and endlessly welcoming, Jen’s Artisan Breads is a local institution known for its crusty sourdoughs, flaky croissants, and mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for crusty

• dusty
• gusty
• lusty
• musty
• rusty
• trusty

Kids Definition

crusty

adjective

ˈkrəs-tē 

crustier; crustiest

1

: having or being a crust

2

: cross entry 3 sense 3

crustiness noun