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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of abrupt
No structural downsizing or abrupt changes are planned for Calik Denim.
—
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
The president was marveling at the ongoing construction of a $400 million ballroom following the abrupt demolition of the East Wing in October of last year.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Beere began serving as the interim chief in November, following Chief Floyd Mitchell’s abrupt resignation weeks earlier.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
This news follows the abrupt closing of 41 Salad and Go stores in Texas during September.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrupt
Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
The president was marveling at the ongoing construction of a $400 million ballroom following the abrupt demolition of the East Wing in October of last year.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Beere began serving as the interim chief in November, following Chief Floyd Mitchell’s abrupt resignation weeks earlier.
—Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
This news follows the abrupt closing of 41 Salad and Go stores in Texas during September.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abrupt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrupt
Adjective
-
The coroner determined that the cause of death was traumatic blunt force injuries and the manner of death was an accident.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Top women executives have also been blunt about the tradeoffs of work and life.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
That’s where the Kate Spade Outlet comes in, offering polished, functional purses at steep discounts.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The figures, while slightly less than official economists’ estimates, assuaged concerns about a steeper drop in employment.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Earthquakes' sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Excluding disasters, sudden surges of this magnitude in requests for food or any other need are rare at 211s, and can signal both public worry and need, as happened in the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.—
Matthew W. Kreuter,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Ehrlich noted the short careers for college athletes and wondered whether a union for collective bargaining is even possible.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
This short-sleeve pullover top is paired with a wide-leg pant to keep me cozy just about wherever my day takes me.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The whimsical cover introduces readers to Saffy and Lumo, two best friends whose devotion to their favorite foods leads to an unexpected, and very literal, transformation.—
Sarah Jones,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
While the ordeal was incredibly frustrating for Johnson, updates on his unusual guest have been an unexpected distraction and obsession for a community that has lost so much.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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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
-
After reinforcing her skills as a curt, potent writer with an uncannily keen handle on late-’90s and early-aughts pop culture, the 24-year-old puts her peers and influences on the remixes.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
2 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Approved by The Boss himself, the live-music and storytelling show finds Azaria slipping into his best Springsteen guise for a night of gruff tales and greatest hits.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
24 Dec. 2025
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The gory skit ends with the gruff older man rushing through the door to announce he’s made amends with his son, only to have his head sliced off by the flying chainsaw.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
21 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Farrell, by contrast, plays a brusque, dim henchman named Alec, who’s there mostly to look tough and briefly talk about Star Wars.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Cumdumpster, by contrast, was brusque, peremptory, and stingy with his scores, as if I’d been put on earth to curate pornography for him.—
Daniel Kolitz,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Abrupt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abrupt. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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