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 of crusty

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

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

Squeeze the cloves out and spread them on crusty bread, whisk them into soups and pan sauces, or stir them into butter. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2026

But, as electricity flows back and forth between the positive and negative sides, a thick, crusty layer of gunk gradually builds up inside the cell. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

How To Clean Oven Racks With Dryer Sheets Dryer sheets contain softeners that can help remove crusty grime. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

The select group of crusty reporters called upon by France Football, the organisers of the award, had never, in the history of the Ballon d’Or, settled on making someone so young the de facto world player of the year. —New York Times, 10 June 2026

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