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 of curt

• blunt
• abrupt
• short
• gruff
• brusque

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

His short, curt answers, or nonanswers are comedy for some, arrogant or insulting to others, especially when fans want an explanation for one of his decisions. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 5 Nov. 2026

The senator gave a curt answer before hastily escaping the shot. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026

After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series. — Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026

There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

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