curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

1

a

: sparing of words : terse

wrote curt precise sentences

b

: marked by rude or peremptory (see peremptory sense 3) shortness : brusque

a curt refusal

In a curt voice, he ordered the server to bring him a glass of water.

2

: shortened in linear dimension

curtly adverb

curtness noun

Synonyms

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

Choose the Right Synonym for curt

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

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 of curt in a Sentence

He gave only a curt reply to the question.

she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question

Recent Examples on the Web

In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025

But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues. —Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025

Text generators tend to write long, even when the prompt is curt. —Victoria Turk, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025

If something bothers you, have the conversation before your body language starts speaking for you through a curt tone, closed posture or disengagement. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for curt

• blurt
• chert
• dirt
• flirt
• girt
• hurt
• peart
• pert
• shirt
• skirt
• spurt
• squirt

Kids Definition

curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

: rudely abrupt or brief in speech

a curt reply

curtly adverb

curtness noun