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abrupt

Q: How is the word 'abrupt' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous , sheer , and steep . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When could 'precipitous' be used to replace 'abrupt'?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When is 'sheer' a more appropriate choice than 'abrupt'?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

Q: When would 'steep' be a good substitute for 'abrupt'?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

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Synonyms & Antonyms of abrupt

1 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 for abrupt

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Antonyms for abrupt

2 having an incline approaching the perpendicular

the gentle, rolling hills gradually give way to high mountains with abrupt sides

Synonyms for abrupt

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Antonyms for abrupt

easy

3 not expected

his abrupt reappearance seems to have caught everyone off guard

Synonyms for abrupt

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unsurprising

Antonyms for abrupt

Frequently Asked Questions About abrupt

How is the word abrupt different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous, sheer, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When could precipitous be used to replace abrupt?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When is sheer a more appropriate choice than abrupt?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would steep be a good substitute for abrupt?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

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