blunt 1 of 2

blunt

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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

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
Curvaceous yet dominant lines showcase the vessel’s sturdy width, blunt hull, and an unpretentious attitude to exploring. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 Kleven was taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, where he was pronounced dead of multiple blunt-force injuries, according to the incident report. Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
New York is also facing a lawsuit filed by 22 Republican attorneys general who argue that the law will do little to blunt the impact of climate change while passing on the costs to the state’s consumers in the form of higher energy bills. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 30 Aug. 2025 Reece Goldberger had an interception for the Falcons to blunt a San Pasqual drive. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • Fans think Nina Dobrev and Shaun White’s abrupt breakup makes a whole lot more sense after watching the actor’s latest TikTok video.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 12 Sep. 2025
  • An investigative series about the abrupt closure of a Miami heart transplant program led Michelle and her colleagues to be recognized as finalists in two 2024 Florida Sunshine State Award categories.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In parts of Southeast Asia, totality will begin as the full moon rises, dulling the effect.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Even when the Dodgers find a glimmer, it has been dulled rather quickly.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Such a short distance is considered well within reach of a basic marksman.
    Will Carless, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In short, The Paper doesn’t quite escape the shadow of its big brother, but that’s just fine with us.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2025
  • In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.
    Armando Garcia, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Panday plays a convincingly gruff tortured artist alongside Padda’s struggling ingenue, and most of the screen time is devoted to their pairing instead of introducing tertiary excess.
    Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The barbs were frequently aimed at the gruff owner of Mel’s Diner played by the late Vic Tayback.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Polarity numbs himself with alcohol and can’t be bothered with God U’s suspicious new Dean, aptly named Cipher (Hamish Linklater).
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Bronze just needed to numb the pain.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These and a few other basic elements recur throughout Martinů’s œuvre: curt themes, darting rhythms, tangy harmonies, glittering textures.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The pillow talk on Man’s Best Friend often takes the curt, assertive tone of a person reproaching a precocious pet.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, have reunited amid the royal family's estrangement from the outspoken prince.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Lucy Liu has been quite outspoken in recent years, calling out the unjust treatment of women and the paucity of roles for non-white actors in Hollywood, and advocating for the rights of children through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), among other relevant topics.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

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