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 next

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

Relevance

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

Examples 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 Following 2021’s curt, arresting When Smoke Rises, this year’s heftier Dunya tugs at the decade’s most disheartening threads. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024 But the crime scene is swiftly wiped clean, her body removed to avert suspicion and her phone sending curt messages about returning to Los Angeles for a job. —

Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024 Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end. —

Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024 Beckwith made the comments at a Monroe County Republican Party meeting in early October; on Monday, the head of his ticket, gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, gave a curt statement to IndyStar expressing disapproval. —

Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt

Adjective

This massage gun is equipped with seven different massage head attachments to provide pin-point precision, blunt pressure, and everything in between.

— Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Jan. 2025
Jey Uso’s already electrifying entrance was enhanced by overhead footage, Travis Scott smoking a blunt indoors and even Michael Cole jumping on the announce table alongside Pat McAfee to yeet.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025