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 Once the chops are done, put them directly into the crusty rolls, followed by a couple of slices of tomato and some lettuce. Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 Despite the ever-changing menu, guests can expect traditional loaves of crusty sourdough and gooey almond croissants, as well as Virtuoso’s signature Valrhona chocolate chip cookie, made with 46% milk chocolate and 64% dark chocolate. Olivia Lee, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2025 Serve this chicken dinner idea with roasted vegetables and crusty bread for a truly delicious meal. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 While some versions are stuffed with jalapeños and cream cheese or extra-lean ham, the classic features a hot dog between two rivers of American cheese and a crusty skirt on top. Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for crusty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crusty
Adjective
  • Her brand features blunt honesty and humor, as well as fashion, beauty, and lifestyle tips.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 22 May 2025
  • City’s video tribute was a tear-jerker, and less hardy characters than De Bruyne — nicknamed ‘the tumble dryer’ due to his dry (and blunt) approach — would surely have cracked and let the tears roll.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Peter Capaldi - Twelfth Doctor From 2014-2017, a gruff and action-ready Peter Capaldi shredded an electric guitar through the TARDIS.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025
  • Over a four-decade career that began with a role on Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lyonne has become known for portraying characters that are gruff but likable, hard-nosed but sympathetic.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • Wallen's album comes out months after his abrupt exit from Saturday Night Live in March — which came five years after his controversial initial SNL appearance.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • And that’s before considering Andrew Witty’s abrupt exit announced just this week.
    Seth Joseph, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • But in the end, like so often before, their effort fell just short.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • Each of them plays like a standalone vignette that could make a short film, and as with a short film program made up of multiple stories, some are stronger than others.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, an outspoken critic of the city’s homeless programs, also has been a longtime supporter of terminating the emergency.
    Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
  • These decisions suggest an effort to suppress all but the most overt nationalistic efforts from American artists, a fool’s errand given the outspoken nature of the creative community, and one that is not unfamiliar around the globe.
    Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • But a few weeks before its initial six-month contract was set to run out, in mid-September 1994, things came to a brusque end.
    Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025
  • An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025
  • But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues.
    Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Crusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crusty. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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