CURT Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

curt

adjective

ˈkərt

Definition of curt

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

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 After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series. — Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 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, 11 Jan. 2026 Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration -- and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. — Andrew Seligman, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026 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, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt

Adjective

In the photo, Hargitay leaned out of a car window, showing off a tousled blunt bob with golden ends, styled in a deep side part.

— Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 July 2026
Gupta considers the blanket rent freeze a blunt tool that doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis.

— James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

Donna Kelce, mother of Travis and Jason, gave a concise reaction to the wedding while speaking with Macy's at the company's Fourth of July event in New York.

— Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Then, when regular channels deny your claim, send a polite, concise email to the company’s executives.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Definition of concise

Adjective

Germany's World Cup run came to an abrupt end in the Round of 32 after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Naval liaison groups have yet to comment on the abrupt U-turns, although the Joint Maritime Intelligence Center repeated on Sunday that Iranian forces continue to harass shipping.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Boston outfielder Nate Eaton and Mikolas being ejected.

— CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
The ordinance marks a brief respite in the monthslong scramble to adapt to the broad changes brought by SB 79.

— Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of brief

Adjective

The judge considered hundreds of pages of evidence and testimony from San Diego officials, homeowners and their lawyers and determined that the city had not met the burden for what is called summary adjudication in any of the five causes of actions.

— Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.

— Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025

Definition of summary

Adjective

Abraham Lincoln furiously scribbled in Springfield on June 27, 1858, firing off a gruff note to the editor-in-chief of the Chicago Press & Tribune, then in business for only 11 years.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

In another terse exchange, prosecutors repeatedly objected to the prosecution’s line of questioning about Goodloe’s work hours.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
In response Friday to an inquiry from NPR came this terse statement from the court's public information office.

— Nina Totenberg, NPR, 26 June 2026

Definition of terse

Browse Nearby Words

cursory

curt

curtail

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“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curt. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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