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

My pungent plateful grew in strength from tomme to Shropshire blue, accompanied by crusty bread, fruit and nuts. — Adrienne Wyper, TheWeek, 17 Sep. 2026

Appliances that heat water are especially prone to developing crusty white deposits. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026

For crusty loaves, such as baguettes or artisanal breads, use paper or cloth bread bags to help maintain their crispy texture. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

Heat it through on the stove and dinner is mostly handled, though a swirl of cream or a slice of crusty bread rounds it out. — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 14 Sep. 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