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

But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026

Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration -- and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. —Andrew Seligman, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026

The host and White House correspondent had a curt reaction to the president's lengthy social media rant. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Dec. 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