Synonyms of blunt

blunt 1 of 2

adjective

ˈblənt 

1

as in abrupt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner

he values honesty and is quite blunt about telling people what he doesn't like about them

Synonyms & Similar Words

• abrupt
• short
• gruff
• curt
• outspoken
• brusque
• rude
• bluff
• honest
• snippy
• unceremonious
• crusty
• downright
• crass
• brusk
• straightforward
• frank
• candid
• rough
• plain
• direct
• vulgar
• short-spoken
• forthright
• snappish
• plainspoken
• tactless
• disrespectful
• insensitive
• brief
• open
• earnest
• straight-out
• discourteous
• impolite
• laconic
• undiplomatic
• inconsiderate
• terse
• point-blank
• coarse
• artless
• reserved
• sincere
• impertinent
• reticent
• crude
• free-spoken
• closemouthed
• uncouth
• tight-lipped
• foursquare
• low

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• diplomatic
• smooth
• polite
• circuitous
• tactful
• civil
• courteous
• gracious
• considerate
• suave
• politic
• loquacious
• talkative
• voluble
• mealymouthed
• prolix
• verbose
• polished
• refined
• long-winded
• genteel
• gallant
• cultivated
• courtly

2

as in blunted

lacking sharpness of edge or point

a blunt knife won't open that package

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blunted
• dulled
• dull
• flattened
• obtuse
• rounded
• smooth
• dullish
• level
• flat
• even

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sharp
• pointed
• keen
• cutting
• edged
• ground
• edgy
• sharpened
• jagged
• honed
• spiky
• spiked
• prickly
• spiny
• needlelike
• piercing
• scratching
• whetted
• spikelike
• spikey
• lacerating
• stabbing
• jabbing
• ultrasharp

blunt

2 of 2

verb

as in to dull

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling

the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dull
• reduce
• numb
• diminish
• dampen
• damp
• deaden
• cauterize
• weaken
• decrease
• benumb
• ease
• subdue
• tone (down)
• subside
• mute
• alleviate
• muffle
• moderate
• lessen
• let up (on)
• lighten
• recede
• lower
• wane
• debilitate
• dwindle
• enfeeble
• taper (off)
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sharpen
• enhance
• strengthen
• augment
• intensify
• consolidate
• amplify
• deepen
• boost
• stimulate
• step up
• heighten
• magnify
• whet
• arouse
• redouble
• beef (up)
• animate

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

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