blunt 1 of 2

Definition of bluntnext

blunt

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word blunt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of blunt are bluff, brusque, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would bluff be a good substitute for blunt?

The words bluff and blunt can be used in similar contexts, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When is brusque a more appropriate choice than blunt?

The words brusque and blunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When might crusty be a better fit than blunt?

While the synonyms crusty and blunt are close in meaning, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

Where would curt be a reasonable alternative to blunt?

The meanings of curt and blunt largely overlap; however, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When can gruff be used instead of blunt?

Although the words gruff and blunt have much in common, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

How is the word blunt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of blunt are bluff, brusque, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would bluff be a good substitute for blunt?

The words bluff and blunt can be used in similar contexts, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When is brusque a more appropriate choice than blunt?

The words brusque and blunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When might crusty be a better fit than blunt?

While the synonyms crusty and blunt are close in meaning, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

Where would curt be a reasonable alternative to blunt?

The meanings of curt and blunt largely overlap; however, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When can gruff be used instead of blunt?

Although the words gruff and blunt have much in common, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of blunt
Adjective
Pair your brew with a meal or snack to slow caffeine absorption and blunt blood sugar spikes. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 5 Mar. 2026 Far from a stereotypical homewrecker, Archie’s paramour (Lauren Tsai) is a blunt, hyper-logical scientist. Judy Berman, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Showing the same missiles so soon after a major anniversary event could blunt the impact of their appearance. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026 Research has also shown that touch can blunt pain, stress and anxiety. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • As South African film and TV industry workers continued to grapple with the fallout from Canal+’s abrupt decision to shutter homegrown streaming service Showmax this week, one question seemed to be on the lips of every attendee at the JBX market in Johannesburg.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The Kansas City Chiefs' decade-long run of playoff appearances came to an abrupt end in Week 15 last season.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Orientation matters; garlic is planted vertically, with the root (blunted) end of the clove facing down, and the sprout (pointy) end facing up.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Flat, calm but earnest, mildly anxious, blunted, volatile.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Considerations Before Getting Started Protect your table’s shine and clarity by avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing tools that cause tiny scratches, which dull the glass over time.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Cold water, on the other hand, is said to dull this fire and slow digestion and should be avoided.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Most have direct, short-ish flights from the East Coast, making an 11th-hour spring break trip that much easier to pull off.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The tech came on a play in which Flagg drove through the lane with the ball and attempted a short shot.
    R.J. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The thinking, according to airport officials, is to encourage riders to use the yet-to-open Automated People Mover, also known as Skylink, and to reduce vehicle traffic around the terminals.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • From the guest's POV, drinking water is provided in reusable glass bottles, with water refilling stations across the property, and restaurant ingredients are sourced from the nearby partner South Farm and local suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint and support the community.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As Woody Harrelson detailed Harrison Ford's accomplishments from the Actors Awards stage, the famously gruff actor seemed to squirm in his seat, somehow uncomfortable with praise even at the age of 83.
    Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
  • While not gruff or unfriendly, the serious New York restaurateur carries a distinct tone of getting down to business, even when casually chatting about how the show has changed over time.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Symptoms can include a desire to tune out for a spell, stick your head in an ice bucket, or find another way to numb the senses.
    Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Even after four years of trauma that should numb, shock is still palpable.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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