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

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• curt
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

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

Serve it up with some crusty bread and dinner is served. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 14 June 2024

To warm up after your swim, try Cullen Skink, a delicious creamy fish stew readily available at cafes and roadside stops nearby, with a crusty roll of bread. —Freya Bromley, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Nov. 2023

Choose a good-quality, crusty bread that can withstand the juicy topping without getting soggy. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 13 June 2024

Kurt Russell is terrific as crusty coach Herb Brooks, and director Gavin O’Connor gives the on-ice action plenty of electricity. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crusty

adjective

ˈkrəs-tē 

crustier; crustiest

1

: having or being a crust

2

: cross entry 3 sense 3

crustiness noun