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
Investigators do not believe foul play contributed to the man's death, as there was no evidence of bullet wounds or blunt force trauma, Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco said during a press conference on Wednesday. Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 Two of the dogs died of heat stroke, one of blunt force trauma, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman told Judge Kimberly Menninger during Monday’s hearing, drawing gasps from the owners in the courtroom gallery. Sean Emery, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
Verb
The impact of A Pale View of Hills is blunted by a tendency to over-explain and flatten. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2025 In parallel, persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system blunts the parasympathetic response required for arousal. Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • However, her time in Fiji came to an abrupt end as shown during Episode 30, which aired on Sunday, July 6.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The third free practice at Silverstone saw two red flags in the final ten minutes, bringing the session to an abrupt halt.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Even with such acrobatics, the fabric has not pilled or dulled.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2025
  • The set comes with a magnetic walnut knife block to securely hold each knife and maintain sharpness without dulling blades.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • For beginners, Bravo recommends starting with short sessions and using a handle for support while your body adapts.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Last season, Kawamura was the shortest player in the NBA at 5-foot-8.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 July 2025
  • On the other hand, the 73-year-old Belichick’s gruff persona, with his monosyllabic utterances at news conferences, has become the stuff of legend.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Oral rinses and mouthwashes can help numb the symptoms, the Mayo Clinic says, along with nerve blockers and other types of medications to relieve pain.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Siegel added that sucking on lozenges, gargling, staying hydrated and numbing the throat can all help to soothe symptoms.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • If that bluntness sound a little prosaic at first, there’s a curt poetry to it that comes into focus listening through 15 tracks that consist almost entirely of sisters Danielle, Alana and Este Haim handing in their respective resignations to long- or short-term partners, effectively immediately.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • Long-winded or hesitant responses in meetings meet with a curt response.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Maher is often outspoken about normalizing all body types.
    Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Several of Sanchez's teammates, specifically Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and JT Realmuto were very outspoken about the decision to add Misiorowski over Sanchez.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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