CRUSTY Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

crusty

adjective

ˈkrə-stē

Definition of crusty next

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner a crusty old fisherman who doesn't care to have his picture taken with silly tourists

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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

Examples 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 The good news, though, is you’re not doomed to put up with itchy, crusty bits forever. —

Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Dec. 2024 Like mushrooms au poivre, green curry cod, and caramel-apple monkey bread. November 27, 2024 This month our readers gravitated toward saucy suppers, the kind that beg for crusty bread. —

Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 27 Nov. 2024 Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or—better yet—garlic knots. —

Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024 Add crusty garlic bread or a salad, and you’re set. —

Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crusty

Recent Examples of Synonyms for crusty

Adjective

While tariffs offer a quick, broad response to unfair trade practices, they're often criticized as too blunt an instrument.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Officers found Mary Ogle dead inside the house with apparent blunt force trauma, police said.

— Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025