Definition of concisenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective concise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can compendious be used instead of concise?

The meanings of compendious and concise largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could laconic be used to replace concise?

In some situations, the words laconic and concise are roughly equivalent. However, 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 concise?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of concise?

The synonyms succinct and concise are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would summary be a reasonable alternative to concise?

While in some cases nearly identical to concise, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would terse be a good substitute for concise?

While the synonyms terse and concise are close in meaning, 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 concise 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 Use concise bullet points and focus on what actually matters in the day-to-day role. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 23 June 2026 In its ongoing efforts to refine and finetune its total look proposition to cater to modern men’s needs, Lardini unveiled a concise lineup suitable for layering and mixing and matching. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
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
Adjective
  • Project Glasswing gave a perception that defenders would have a brief window to strengthen their defenses before the offensive capabilities of Mythos or equivalent models were available to the public.
    Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Supporters only caught a brief glimpse of the SUV that met Messi on the tarmac to transport him and his family to the private neighborhood of Funes, roughly 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Buenos Aires.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sailors from other teams have noticed that the comms on the British boat have been more erratic, less succinct than last season.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • The 11 songs are short and succinct, blazing by in just under half an hour.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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