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

The condition causes itchy eyes, puffy eyelids and crusty flakes along the eyelashes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. —Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

In addition to infuriating those crusty Canadian fans who hate these new-fangled markets — and to be clear, that’s also a selling point — this matchup would feature each side trying to put the ghosts of past failure to rest. —Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 11 May 2026

Tangy goat cheese and crusty French bread come together in perfect harmony. —Brennan Long, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

When kuru’s vocals get more monotone, Backstage hologram ornaments the toplines with gorgeous digital keyboard parts that reference the crusty, low-res soundtracks of Nintendo DS-era RPGs like Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. —Jude Noel, Pitchfork, 30 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