succinct

adjective

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suc·cinct | \ (ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t

, sə-ˈsiŋ(k)t

Definition of succinct

1 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words a succinct description

2 archaic

a : being girded

b : close-fitting

Other Words from succinct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym A Succinct History of Succinct More Example Sentences Learn More about succinct

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Other Words from succinct

succinctly \ (ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t-lē

, -ˈsiŋ-klē , sə- \ adverb

succinctness \ (ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋt-nəs

, -ˈsiŋk-nəs , sə- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for succinct

concise, terse, succinct, laconic, summary, pithy, compendious mean very brief in statement or expression. concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. a concise description terse implies pointed conciseness. a terse reply succinct implies the greatest possible compression. a succinct letter of resignation laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. an aloof and laconic stranger summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation. a summary listing of the year's main events pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance. a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. a compendious dictionary

A Succinct History of Succinct

The history of "succinct" might not be short, but it's a cinch to remember. "Succinct" traces to the Latin verb succingere ("to gird about"), which comes from "cingere" ("to gird"), the word that gave us "cincture" and "cinch." The earliest uses of succinct meant "confined" or "girded up," and, as such, it was often used in reference to garments encircled by a band. Eventually, "succinct" was extended to the realm of insects, where it meant "supported by a band of silk around the middle" (as in "the succinct pupa of a butterfly"). Later, the word was applied to writings. A "succinct" piece of writing is "compressed" or "compact" and uses as few words as possible.

Examples of succinct in a Sentence

Other experts are in the business of selling their research. Alan Greenspan made his reputation and career as a partner of Townsend-Greenspan, whose clients were a who's who of old Wall Street. Successful research firms can command substantial fees, and buyers demand clear, succinct and unequivocal analysis and predictions. — Zachary Karabell, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009 As Esther Benbassa recounts in her dry but impressively succinct and informative history, they arrived in the Roman province of Gaul in the first centuries of the common era, and soon found themselves trod underfoot by the ascendant Christian church. — David A. Bell, New Republic, 28 Feb. 2000 In his first work of popular science, English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking proves himself to be a master of vivid clarity. His title, " A Brief History of Time," is understated even by British standards; in 198 pages Hawking manages no less than a succinct history of cosmology, a concise explanation of general relativity and its intersection with quantum mechanics … — Richard Rhodes, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 1988 He gave a succinct overview of the expansion project. a pocket guide that provides succinct explanations for rules of grammar and punctuation

Recent Examples on the Web The menu reflects that: succinct, free of platters brimming with rice and beans, leaning toward lighter bites. — BostonGlobe.com, "Any excuse to eat tacos," 4 May 2021 Howard's answer when asked about Johns was much more succinct. — Orion Sang, Detroit Free Press, "What Michigan basketball's Juwan Howard has told his team about playing in NCAA tournament," 17 Mar. 2021 Though some recent presidents’ addresses have topped an hour, Bob Shrum, a former Democratic strategist and current director of the Center for the Political Future at USC, expects Biden to be succinct. — Los Angeles Times, "Watch: Biden makes first address to Congress as president," 29 Apr. 2021 Growing region maps are beneficial and descriptions are succinct. — Sally Peterson, oregonlive, "Garden book review: ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Growing Great Vegetables’," 23 Apr. 2021 Some were succinct in their response to the verdict. — Grace Segers, CBS News, ""A moment of accountability": Lawmakers react to guilty verdict in Chauvin trial," 20 Apr. 2021 As attention spans decrease and competition for consumer eyes increases, communicating with patrons in a way that is succinct, clear and looks good is key to driving engagement and business. — Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, "Eight Important Strategies to Master Video Content Marketing," 14 Apr. 2021 Former Bishop of London Richard Chartres, who knew Philip well, said the prince was a man of faith, but liked things kept succinct. — Time, "Queen Sits Alone at Funeral for Prince Philip to Set Example," 17 Apr. 2021 Former Bishop of London Richard Chartres, who knew Philip well, said the prince was a man of faith, but liked things kept succinct. — Danica Kirka And Jill Lawless, chicagotribune.com, "Funeral to praise Prince Philip’s ‘courage’ and support for Queen Elizabeth II after 73 years of marriage," 17 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'succinct.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.