curt

adjective

ˈkərt How to pronounce curt (audio)
Definition of curtnext
1
as in blunt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning on a daily basis she e-mailed to her commanders curt reports on the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word curt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of curt are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

Where would bluff be a reasonable alternative to curt?

The words bluff and curt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When could blunt be used to replace curt?

While in some cases nearly identical to curt, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would brusque be a good substitute for curt?

The words brusque and curt can be used in similar contexts, but brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can crusty take the place of curt?

The meanings of crusty and curt largely overlap; however, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When is it sensible to use gruff instead of curt?

In some situations, the words gruff and curt are roughly equivalent. However, 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 curt The sixth song on Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, is a curt history lesson nestled in a massive song cycle with an undeniable rallying cry. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025 There was also his curt response to a strange controversy over his decision not to include an image of Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon. —Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 He was dispatched in a curt, five-sentence press release. —Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Scheer was smart to whittle down the novel’s winding sentences into short, sharp exclamations and curt instructions — and also to be faithful to Melville’s rendition of the captain’s irritable diction. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt
  1. blunt
  2. concise
  3. abrupt
  4. brief
  5. short
  6. summary
  7. gruff
  8. brusque
Adjective
  • Isaac Leal, 17, died on Monday, June 2, from a blunt force injury to the head, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2025
  • His autopsy revealed his head had blunt force trauma.
    — Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Definition of blunt
Adjective
  • The Look and Sound of Leadership Each episode delivers concise, ready-to-use strategies for communicating with confidence, managing teams and leading through change.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • There is no shortage of lengthy and confusing timelines of Swift’s battle to own those albums on the Internet, but below is a concise history.
    — Jem Aswad, Variety, 30 May 2025
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
    — Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Oc Register, 1 June 2025
Definition of abrupt
Adjective
  • The private residence was used for a brief exterior shot only in the movie.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Peyton Manning Doesn't Hold Back About Aaron Rodgers Amid Steelers Rumors During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, Marino revealed some brief thoughts on Rodgers and the Steelers.
    — Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • From there, the two brainstormed solutions, like a shorter stay in the city.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 28 May 2025
  • The Chiefs will host a media availability Thursday, with a short practice viewing window for which The Star will be in attendance.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025
Definition of short
Adjective
  • Unlike traditional employee income, business income does not always come with summary tax forms like the W2 at the end of the year.
    — Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Deputy Attorney General Drew Ensign struggled to answer a barrage of Boasberg’s questions during a Thursday hearing in Washington’s federal court, home to a multi-week standoff over President Trump’s executive power to exert summary deportations in the name of national security.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of summary
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
Definition of gruff
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
Definition of brusque

Browse Nearby Words

cursory
curt
curtail
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Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curt. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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