variants also incrust
Definition of encrustnext
as in to smear
to cover with a hardened layer refrigerator shelves that were encrusted with the residue of many spills

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 encrust Before work, my Volvo was fully encrusted, the door frozen shut. Elizabeth Kelsey, Time, 26 Jan. 2026 The high-neck lace dress featured floral motifs and was encrusted with pearls. Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 18 Jan. 2026 His work is marked by unusual, even bizarre, material choices that encrust spatial compositions reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative open space plans. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026 Their debut album, Bergtatt (1995), released when singer Kristoffer Garm Rygg was 18, inspired a whole universe of nature-drunk folk metal; meanwhile, Nattens Madrigal (1997) is a prime example of the most scabrous and distortion-encrusted recesses of black metal. Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for encrust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encrust
Verb
  • Instead of unsuccessfully trying to wipe off the dust buildup that has turned sticky with a damp cloth and only smearing it around, Goo Gone breaks down the tacky oils for complete and effortless removal.
    Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The former Los Angeles fire chief has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that her ouster was part of an orchestrated effort to smear her conduct and decision-making so Mayor Karen Bass could avoid accountability for the most destructive wildfire in LA history.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The result is often rich, sensorial textures that rinse clean, boost elasticity and shine, and leave hair bouncy (not flat or coated).
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • When you’re done, the surface should be coated with just a light touch of oil that adds to its shine without feeling greasy.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Substations caked in ice after blizzard Line crews, tree crews and damage assessment teams are spread throughout Cape Cod working feverishly and safely to turn the lights back on.
    Paul Burton, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Tests showed one product named Bama Slamma – a flower caked in a white powder – contained 13 times the legal limit for THC, two times the Michigan and Minnesota limit for mold, and two types of funguses, both of which are banned in Michigan cannabis.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The stint at left-back may be temporary, and an attempt to cover up squad deficiencies, but the school of thought at Everton heading into the campaign was that last season’s Branthwaite and Tarkowski partnership was their best way forward.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Cherry blossom graphics cover the oversize headboards of each bed as the focal point in an otherwise minimal space, while suites include floor-to-ceiling graphic murals.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kingfish is crusted in chile and garlic, set atop a fennel-coconut puree.
    Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
  • For dinner, Federico and his staff were offering herb crusted rack of lamb, a pork chop with butter, sage and mortadella, or pan-seared halibut.
    Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Some types of snow Brunning identified were column, plane, rimed, germs, irregularities, as well as combinations of all of those elements.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Encrust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encrust. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on encrust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster