Definition of crustynext

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 But if the chocolate is very old and the bloom has spread deep inside, the chocolate will be cracked, dry and crusty, possibly with a waxy aftertaste, says Hartel. Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2026 Neglecting to flush orchid salts can result in a crusty residue on the medium, which damages roots and depletes water. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026 The sleeper on the script may be sweet crab legs simply warmed in a cream and butter sauce with lemon and bits of tomato, every drop sopped up with a slice of crusty sourdough bread. Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 17 Jan. 2026 The warrior spirit that exists oftentimes comes across as pretty hardened and crusty and cynical. Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for crusty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crusty
Adjective
  • And while she’s known for experimenting with her look — from waist-length neon wigs to sleek blunt bobs — Cardi has shown that her natural hair is full and long, stretching down her back.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Its descriptively blunt autobiographical accounts of palpable angst start off reserved—but never boring—and slowly blossom into an explosive finish.
    Billie Bugara, Pitchfork, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.
    Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Also present was the gruff playwright.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Mood Changes As many as four in 10 women report feeling abrupt moods that are similar to PMS during perimenopause.
    Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The abrupt decision raised questions across federal agencies and drew attention from lawmakers and international observers.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sometimes just a couple of hours with someone, or several short meetings, can really get someone moving in a different way.
    Daisy Jones, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That puts her at odds with Ray, whose investment in her son hinges on a brusque, performative disregard for Colin’s happiness.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Waldo’s digital shopping cart — and McCurdy’s brusque descriptions of her late-night binges — highlight the gaping, cavernous maw of her wants.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Aside from suave showmanship and feel-good Latin rhythms, the outspoken singer paid tribute to his Latino heritage and Puerto Rican history during his performance.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Though Robby Hoddinott was responsible for the track’s prickly guitar lead, the backing of bassist-pal Dave Torbert from New Riders of the Purple Sage elevates Weir and the song’s rhythmic bottom to something uplifting and downright prancy.
    A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Duncan in particular seems to get turned around a lot, and HBO’s final trailer promises plenty of action and, yes, some drama, but compared with the War Show vibe of the original GoT trailer, this is a downright comedy.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crusty. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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