Synonym Chooser

How is the word crusty distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of crusty are bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

Where would bluff be a reasonable alternative to crusty?

The synonyms bluff and crusty are sometimes interchangeable, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When can blunt be used instead of crusty?

While the synonyms blunt and crusty are close in meaning, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When might brusque be a better fit than crusty?

The words brusque and crusty can be used in similar contexts, but brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When could curt be used to replace crusty?

While in some cases nearly identical to crusty, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When is gruff a more appropriate choice than crusty?

Although the words gruff and crusty have much in common, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of crusty Serve this chicken dinner idea with roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a truly delicious meal. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 While some versions are stuffed with jalapeños and cream cheese or extra-lean ham, the classic features a hot dog between two rivers of American cheese and a crusty skirt on top. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025 The sawing action of these is best for roasts and crusty bread. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2025 Serve with a salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread. Mary Alice Russell, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crusty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crusty
Adjective
  • Vanney’s assessment of the loss was incredibly blunt.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • Mallen’s character is a blunt, irreverent woman with a thick Southern accent, a tendency toward microaggressions and a talent for manipulation.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the film takes place in a prison, where Henry’s gruff but philosophical cellmate, Gene (Shia LaBeouf), tries to teach him the ways of the world.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Fimmel digs into the more stereotypical gruff bounty hunter with relish, though the character itself is a western staple.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • While part of that abrupt leap stemmed from the fallout of the pandemic, including the minor-league season being canceled, that’s not what would happen today.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
  • The latest and most abrupt blow came when the U.S., by far the largest funder, canceled hundreds of millions in grants.
    Gabriel Spitzer, NPR, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The latter is the name of a short projection show at Disney California Adventure (DCA).
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Now Feeling Crunch of Production Contraction The film marks the feature directorial debut of Italian-German filmmaker Nora Jaenicke, who has previously earned acclaim for her short films.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • His outspoken criticism of a student strike won him the support of California’s then governor, Ronald Reagan, and, in 1968, Hayakawa was appointed the college’s acting president.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • Another singles match will see the tough Sheamus go one-on-one with the outspoken Grayson Waller.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • For example, while one team member might feel valued by direct and candid communication, another may interpret the same approach as brusque or insensitive, instead needing more consideration or attention.
    Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Verstappen, typically a bit brusque in interviews, gave the Aussie his flowers.
    Nick Remsen, Vogue, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025
  • But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues.
    Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crusty. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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