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

Have plenty of crusty bread or pasta ready to soak up every last bit of the sauce. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2026

Pair it with crusty bread for a light lunch or follow it with buttery roasted salmon and a green salad for an elegant, company-worthy dinner. — Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026

For crusty bread, unwrap the loaf and pop it back into the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the crust is nicely crisped. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

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