1
as in blunt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner
the policeman's abrupt manner discouraged me from trying to claim that I hadn't seen the red light
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in steep
having an incline approaching the perpendicular
the gentle, rolling hills gradually give way to high mountains with abrupt sides
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sudden
not expected
his abrupt reappearance seems to have caught everyone off guard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abrupt
The abrupt closure would have disrupted a major border city of 700,000 people and grounded all commercial, cargo and general aviation flights.
—
Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
That crisp pastry shell can really hold in the heat, and an abrupt puncture will send a geyser of steaming juice and melted cheese directly onto your tender tongue.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) service temporarily came to an abrupt halt on Monday but has since fully resumed.
—Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrupt
Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
—Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
That crisp pastry shell can really hold in the heat, and an abrupt puncture will send a geyser of steaming juice and melted cheese directly onto your tender tongue.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) service temporarily came to an abrupt halt on Monday but has since fully resumed.
—Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrupt
Adjective
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And while she’s known for experimenting with her look — from waist-length neon wigs to sleek blunt bobs — Cardi has shown that her natural hair is full and long, stretching down her back.—
Ryma Chikhoune,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Its descriptively blunt autobiographical accounts of palpable angst start off reserved—but never boring—and slowly blossom into an explosive finish.—
Billie Bugara,
Pitchfork,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The seven-time All-Star made his first seven shots with five 3-pointers amid raucous cheers from the extra-steep supporters’ section called The Wall behind one basket at this futuristic 18-month-old arena.—
Greg Beacham,
Twin Cities,
16 Feb. 2026
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The seven-time All-Star made his first seven shots with five 3-pointers amid raucous cheers from the extra-steep supporters' section called The Wall behind one basket at this futuristic 18-month-old arena.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Two years before Tony Clark’s sudden resignation made Bruce Meyer the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, Meyer composed a letter to quiet the union members calling for his ouster.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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The Major League Baseball Players Association has elected a new executive director following the sudden departure of Tony Clark, who had led the union for over a decade.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Jones’s personal style — a quirky, at times ill-fitting wardrobe of short skirts, cleavage-revealing tops, mumsy cardigans, granny pants and long scarves — helped cement her character into an unforgettable part of noughties pop culture history.—
Kati Chitrakorn,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Larger groups might be interested in the Grove Lodge, a short walk from the Mountain House, which has six individual rooms and a great foyer that can be booked for one group stay or individually.—
Katie Mathews,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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An unexpected medical emergency or costly diagnosis, such as cancer, can leave people thousands of dollars in debt.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
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Navigating isolation and uncertainty, BOY forms an unexpected connection with a new physiotherapist while also spending time with his eccentric grandmother.—
K.J. Yossman,
Variety,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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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,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.—
Stephanie Bai,
The Atlantic,
8 Feb. 2026
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Also present was the gruff playwright.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That puts her at odds with Ray, whose investment in her son hinges on a brusque, performative disregard for Colin’s happiness.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
30 Jan. 2026
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Waldo’s digital shopping cart — and McCurdy’s brusque descriptions of her late-night binges — highlight the gaping, cavernous maw of her wants.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrupt. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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