Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

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

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

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

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for succinct?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct 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 succinct Harry is more succinct when Dex steps off the elevator. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 The school’s deputy, Amanda (Tracy Ullman), summarizes the situation with a succinct outline of her duties. Damon Wise, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 Adapted from our September-October 2025 magazine, this succinct write-up offers insights from a recent study on incentives and group performance. Hbr Editors, Harvard Business Review, 4 Sep. 2025 In his movie, Ozon has chosen to give Algerians more of a voice, albeit in a succinct fashion, commenting on the indifference of Frenchmen toward a situation that would soon give way to violent revolution. Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
Adjective
  • Bednar’s response was concise, but hard to argue with.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Clear Communication Professionals can improve their communication skills by being clear, concise and kind in their daily interactions.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Even brief closures have cost the economy billions of dollars.
    Nik Popli, Time, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The Chinese navy already makes port calls in Myanmar, but these are brief stays in facilities too primitive to provide naval advantage.
    Dan Swift, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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