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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
Even so, some of Lucy’s pronouncements are so truly awful that a blunt snort of laughter is the only response. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 13 June 2025 The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office pathologist determined that her death was a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
Verb
Depriving dogs of human companionship by forcing them to live outside blunts their natural desires and is its own form of animal cruelty. Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 But a series of compromises, and agreements to study the most controversial components and their effects on businesses, largely blunted criticism of the bill this year. John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • These findings suggest a shift toward stronger, more abrupt convective storms.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • Sargent was named the interim CEO in March following the abrupt resignation of Kroger’s former leader, Rodney McMullen, after an investigation into his personal conduct.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Even when exhaustion dulled my vigilance, my worries didn’t disappear.
    David Litt June 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025
  • The trade-off with vertical slots is that the tip of your blades will rest up against the block material and may dull over time.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • The summer solstice will occur Friday at 10:42 p.m. ET and will be both the longest day and shortest night of 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the National Weather Service.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 21 June 2025
  • Long story short, Shaulis made some unflattering comments about Paucek on social media.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Only a system designed with these principles can truly protect your organization, reduce losses and maintain trust with your honest customers.
    Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • All evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eric Bauman, a gruff and tireless political operative who led two of California’s most powerful Democratic organizations before resigning amid misconduct allegations, died Monday.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • Cross-examination from the defense’s gruff Xavier Donaldson will continue first thing Tuesday when the trial picks up again.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Too often, our narratives are either numbing doomsday scenarios or dry technical solutions.
    Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
  • After numbing the scrotal skin with a local anesthetic, the urologist makes a small opening in the skin, often so small that no stitches or scalpels are needed.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Register Calibration: What reads as efficient in American English might come across as curt or even disrespectful in Japanese.
    Alessa Cross, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Grumpy and delightfully curt, Martin gives up his successful career as a surgeon after developing a fear of blood and takes over as a general practitioner in a small seaside town called Portwenn full of reliably quirky characters.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Democratic lawmakers have been outspoken critics of conditions at the centers amid concerns over overcrowding and detainee deaths.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025
  • Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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