encrusting

verb

variants also incrusting
present participle of encrust
as in coating
to cover with a hardened layer refrigerator shelves that were encrusted with the residue of many spills

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 encrusting As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant. — The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encrusting
  1. coating
  2. smearing
  3. crusting
  4. caking
  5. covering
Verb
  • Briceno recommends coating both sides of the brush, wiping away any excess, and making sure the bristles come to a clean edge before applying.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
  • Never use abrasive cleaning tools or abrasive detergents as that can wear down the PTFE coating on your grill mat.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 July 2026
Definition of coating
Verb
  • At the entrance of Kollparay, Quispe pauses, taking my hands and smearing them with soil—the soil of her village.
    — Paola Miglio, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
  • This will lead to smearing dust particles around instead of picking them up, which is where a wet cloth comes into play.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Definition of smearing
Verb
  • There were dishes of baby food crusting over on the kitchenette counter.
    — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Apply Mulch Mulch prevents the soil from crusting and improves its water retention.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of crusting
Verb
  • Wipe down furniture in the kitchen or dining room frequently to prevent grease from caking on.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 May 2026
  • Dry the tracks thoroughly afterward to prevent grime from caking into the grooves.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of caking
Verb
  • Maryland’s biggest grant program is generous, covering full financial need for students, up to $18,000 a year.
    — Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
  • But one of the joys of covering this World Cup has been speaking to women who love soccer.
    — Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 18 July 2026
Definition of covering

Browse Nearby Words

encrusted
encrusting
encrusts
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Cite this Entry

“Encrusting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encrusting. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on encrusting

Nglish: Translation of encrusting for Spanish Speakers

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