crusty

1 of 2

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

crustiness

2 of 2

noun

crust·​i·​ness ˈkrə-stē-nəs 

plural -es

: surliness, irritability

Synonyms of crusty

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

a basket of warm, crusty bread

We could see deer tracks in the crusty snow bank.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Stale, crusty bread readily absorbs oil, vegetable juices, and dressing while holding its shape longer than a soft, fresh loaf. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

The best strategy at La Cabra is to get something for now and something to take away for later, like an almond croissant for immediate satisfaction and one of those crusty loaves for the next morning. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026

In This Article Bathroom faucets can get germy, grimy, and crusty pretty fast. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

How to Store Muffins and Quick Bread When storing yeast bread, the storage environment needs to be dry so the bread maintains the crusty exterior. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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