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

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 Things don’t look too good for poor Sam, especially when crusty detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) steps in to investigate. Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 30 July 2024 For a crusty loaf, Janjigian prefers to store it cut-side down on the cutting board — a technique that my colleague Becky Krystal also employs at home. Emily Heil, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the broth. Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2024 Then plunk it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in, with plenty of crusty bread for mopping up the sauce. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for crusty 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for crusty
Adjective
  • The revelation, along with a blunt critique of then-President Donald Trump, quickly attracted media attention for its unfiltered nature.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
  • But despite the blunt warning about One Tree Hill, Lenz didn’t want to give up her pursuit of the show.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 21 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The dynamic between Callum and tracker Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), meanwhile, is your classic buddy-cop back-and-forth, with the gruff Callum slowly warming to the disreputable criminal he’s forced to partner up with when Santa gets kidnapped two days before Christmas.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Keaton dove into the part, adjusting his posture and affecting a gruff voice with a hint of New York–ese.
    Esther Zuckerman, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • News of Yellowstone's abrupt conclusion broke in May 2023, after weeks of reports of creative differences between Costner and Sheridan.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The day before Election Day, however, the Washoe County elections office showed no sign of its challenges, which include a complete staff turnover since 2020, and more recently, the abrupt departure of the interim registrar who said she was forced out by county officials in September.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The tasteful memorial features a short labyrinth walkway that ends at the sculpture of a miner holding a pick-axe and a harp, one of Ireland’s national symbols.
    James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
  • His short fiction has appeared in a variety of national literary magazines and anthologies.
    Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The need led to mostly universal – if often reluctant – support for the tax measure among city leaders, and outspoken support from fire and police departments.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Related Articles Colorado 2024 election results: Who won, who lost and races still too close to call Live Denver election results Boebert, 37, an outspoken supporter of former President Donald Trump, barely defeated Democrat Adam Frisch for a second term in the 3rd District in 2022.
    Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Steptoe affects to be too busy to talk with Purdy and Edwards, but his brusque façade is quickly broken down.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2024
  • And, speaking of Franks, Gibbs' bond with the brusque team leader, played by Muse Watson on NCIS, will also be examined.
    EW.com, EW.com, 17 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • But the crime scene is swiftly wiped clean, her body removed to avert suspicion and her phone sending curt messages about returning to Los Angeles for a job.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024
  • Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end.
    Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near crusty

Cite this Entry

“Crusty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/crusty. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on crusty

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