Entry Word: blunt

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner <he values honesty and is quite blunt about telling people their flaws>

Synonyms abrupt, bluff, brusque, crusty, curt, downright, snippy

Related Words gruff, rough, short; hearty, honest, sincere; candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, open, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straightforward; discourteous, disrespectful, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, tactless, undiplomatic; closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, terse, tight-lipped; artless, earnest, sincere; coarse, crass, crude, low, uncouth, vulgar

Near Antonyms civil, considerate, courteous, diplomatic, gracious, polite, politic, smooth, suave, tactful; loquacious, talkative, voluble; long-winded, prolix, verbose; courtly, cultivated, gallant, genteel, polished, refined

Antonyms circuitous, mealymouthed

2 lacking sharpness of edge or point <a blunt knife won't open that package> — see dull 1