pithy

adjective

ˈpi-thē How to pronounce pithy (audio)
Definition of pithynext
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a fairly pithy criticism about a notably lengthy novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective pithy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pithy are compendious, concise, laconic, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could compendious be used to replace pithy?

The words compendious and pithy can be used in similar contexts, but compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

In what contexts can concise take the place of pithy?

Although the words concise and pithy have much in common, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

Where would laconic be a reasonable alternative to pithy?

In some situations, the words laconic and pithy are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of pithy?

The words succinct and pithy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When would summary be a good substitute for pithy?

The synonyms summary and pithy are sometimes interchangeable, but summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is terse a more appropriate choice than pithy?

The meanings of terse and pithy largely overlap; however, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 pithy While Moreno often slides neatly into the slithering slime of his character’s underbelly, his tart turn as the pithy mayor is loaded with side-eyed sketch. —David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 And outside of fighting, your companions are always ready to offer some welcome contextual wisecracks or pithy advice in all manner of situations. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025 Rather than kick off with pithy quips about the evening's attendees, veteran Grammys host kicked off the Grammys, instead, with a monologue about the recent wildfires that plagued Los Angeles. —Lindsay Kimble, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Next up is Miss Mulligatawney’s School for Promising Girls, which Ingold said will get a pithier name before it is released this year. —Samuel Horti, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pithy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pithy
  1. concise
  2. brief
  3. summary
Adjective
  • Refine your key points to be clear and concise—no rambling monologues.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • As the celebration on the floor dispersed to make way for the second national semifinal, Clayton could be seen greeting every teammate and staffer who offered a handshakes or a hug with a concise message.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of concise
Adjective
  • During a brief news conference, Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad said officials could not take questions, citing the ongoing investigation and pending litigation.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The show had a brief run Off Broadway in 1996, then lived on with a miniature national tour and a beloved cast recording.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • Ukraine is investigating more than 150,000 possible war crimes committed by Russia, including the summary execution of prisoners and targeted aerial strikes against civilians.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • He is accused of acting as the de facto leader of the Davao Death Squad, a group that was responsible for summary executions and the murder or disappearance of more than 1,000 people in and around the city.
    — Lisandro Claudio, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of summary

Browse Nearby Words

piths
pithy
pitiable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pithy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pithy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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