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

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• curt
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

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

Caprese salad can be served as a show-stopping appetizer or side dish or as a light meal with crusty artisan bread. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2024

Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately, with crusty bread on the side. —Lidey Heuck, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

Regular firm white bread (pain de mie) holds its shape and stays very moist after cooking, while crusty breads like sourdoughs and baguettes retain a pleasant and satisfying chew. —Melissa Clark, New York Times, 7 May 2024

Just be sure to serve it on a hearty, crusty bread. —Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2024

Reheat it, and serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for a delicious and hearty meal. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2024

To my mind, a stew needs to be thick enough to eat with a fork but coated with plenty of velvety sauce so there’s a puddle left at the bottom of the bowl, easily mopped up with a piece of crusty bread (or soaked up by rice, noodles or mashed potatoes). —Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2024

At dinnertime, just toss in a few ingredients for flavor and serve with a loaf of crusty bread for a hearty, easy meal in minutes. 4 of 15Erin Kunkel Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo This recipe turns a beloved pasta dish—rich, creamy Alfredo—into an easy, one-pot endeavor. —Jenna Anderson, Sunset Magazine, 14 Mar. 2024

Serve it over couscous or with salad greens; or plunk the dish in the center of the table and serve it as an appetizer with pita wedges and crusty bread for sopping up the juices. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crusty

adjective

ˈkrəs-tē 

crustier; crustiest

1

: having or being a crust

2

: cross entry 3 sense 3

crustiness noun