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

As a layer of crunch prepares your brain for a crusty piece of bread, it’s immediately met by the soft yet dense chew of the inside. — ABC News, 21 July 2026

If possible, cook them with hearty vegetables like potatoes or crusty slices of bread underneath so the juices can naturally flavor the potatoes or bread. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026

Good things come to those who wait for the right piece of art for the powder bath or the perfect crusty planters for the porch. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 July 2026

Bake until the top is deep golden and crusty, and internal temperature measures 195°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 45 minutes. — Chadwick Boyd, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 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