SHORT-SPOKEN Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

short-spoken

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌspō-kən

Definition of short-spoken

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken

Adjective

Authorities have said an autopsy led them to believe her cause of death was a result of blunt force trauma after possibly being struck by a vehicle, the Appeal-Democrat newspaper reported.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
The medical examiner concluded that Paul died from blunt force trauma, the affidavit states.

— Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

That was soon followed by two short drives, both finished by junior running back Dylan Riley.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Paris in today’s demonstrations, which were described by a senior police officer, speaking to CNN affiliate BFMTV, as largely peaceful — until a short while ago.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Two experienced military observers described a silent craft that performed abrupt maneuvers before disappearing.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The abrupt nature of the cutoff and its potentially dangerous military and humanitarian ramifications led to widespread public outcry focused both on Trump for pulling the rug out from under Ukraine and on SpaceX CEO Elon Musk for enabling him.

— Georgina Torbet, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.

— Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Among the most politically delicate moves this month came when federal agents searched the home of Omar, one of the most outspoken congressional critics of the president.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Macklemore's defiant remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users applauding his outspoken activism while others questioned his motives and accused him of being out of touch.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of outspoken

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.

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“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-spoken

adjective

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