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

Contrary to the crusty, chaotic libertinism of their shows, the band is disarmingly sweet and funny in person despite being duly crude. —Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the broth. —Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Don't skip the crusty bread for mopping up every last bit. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026

Fresh produce, crusty bread, and wheels of cheese abound as do open skies and endless stretches of vineyards. —Alexandra Jhamb Burns, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 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