Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective compendious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compendious are concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," 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 compendious?

The words concise and compendious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than compendious?

The synonyms laconic and compendious are sometimes interchangeable, but laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for compendious?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is succinct a more appropriate choice than compendious?

In some situations, the words succinct and compendious are roughly equivalent. However, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of compendious?

The meanings of summary and compendious largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is it sensible to use terse instead of compendious?

Although the words terse and compendious have much in common, 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 compendious In The Great Miscalculation: The Race to Save New York City’s Citicorp Tower (New York University Press, $27.95), Michael M. Greenburg goes into compendious detail about the debacle. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 The curious thing about this compendious, scrupulously researched biography, so rich in basketball and cultural lore, is that the best parts are not about basketball at all. Thomas Beller, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Although employment has begun to recover, the need to create jobs has prompted several Indian states to suspend many of the country’s compendious labour regulations. The Economist, 27 June 2020 Another documents the founding in 1974 — by Joan Nestle, Deborah Edel, Sahli Cavallaro, Pamela Olin and Julia Stanley — of a compendious and still-growing register of lesbian culture called the Herstory Archives. Julianne McShane, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2019 Nonetheless, astronomers and astrophysicists came together to write a single compendious paper about the event. Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, 16 Oct. 2017 Each event centered on performances of a supreme, compendious Bach masterpiece. James R. Oestreich, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compendious
Adjective
  • Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
  • Based on her own rigorous reporting, interviews, and research, Meltzer delivers the first comprehensive biography of Jane Birkin to date.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Journal Sentinel aims to provide both in-depth investigative journalism and quick, concise news updates.
    Greg Borowski, jsonline.com, 11 July 2025
  • Solution: The first step is to establish a concise cyber risk governance committee charter, a high-trust document that outlines the committee's responsibilities, authority, composition and decision-making boundaries.
    Phillimon Zongo, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • This requires clear expectations, thorough documentation, and measuring success by deliverables rather than desk time.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • Allen recommends familiarizing yourself with your state’s requirements and keeping thorough documentation of your health and employment.
    Staff Author, Verywell Health, 3 July 2025
Adjective
  • Here is just a brief sampling: Evan Phillips: Out for the season.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Will Reeve, son of the late Christopher Reeve, one of the more famous Hollywood Men of Steel, makes a brief appearance in Superman.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Over his last 60 games dating to May 7, a little more than a full third of the season, Rafaela is now batting .301 with 12 homers, 33 RBI and a .906 OPS.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • On the second floor is also a full bathroom with a standing shower.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February.
    Michela Wrong, NBC news, 6 June 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • But if there’s an old-world atmosphere here, the amenities are also firmly up to date: there’s a surprisingly extensive list of complimentary activities on offer, from pasta-making classes to painting lessons.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • The liner notes for the album contain extensive interviews with Stone as well as the other original members of the Family Stone.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The property, which guests can access via private aircraft or the resort's own fleet, spans just under 3,000 acres and has 25 residences with panoramic views, private pools, and exceptional personalized service.
    Sarah Farag, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
  • Travelers can also experience floor-to-ceiling glass walls that flood the terminal with light and offer panoramic views of the sea.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Compendious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compendious. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!