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
Prosecutors say Scott’s daughter was found lifeless and had suffered multiple blunt force injuries. Miami Herald, 14 June 2025 Walker thought that traditional bass and treble controls were a rather blunt way of adjusting the tonal balance. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
The Clinton, Obama, and Biden administrations all moved to blunt progress on missile defense initiated by their GOP predecessors. The Editors, National Review, 22 May 2025 Forced to defend the unilateral actions in court, the Trump administration was dealt with loss after loss, blunting the implementation of parts of his agenda during his first hundred days in office. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 15 May 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
  • But after Trump pulled the U.S. unilaterally out of the deal during his first term, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60% -- a short technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90% -- and restricting access to its nuclear facilities.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
  • The short version is that methane is embedded in coal deposits, and as miners dig to expose coal seams, the gas escapes, and continues to do so long after a coal mine reaches the end of its operating life.
    Umair Irfan, Wired News, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • To reduce background noise when making phone calls or joining in with a video meeting, Headphone (1) has a 4-microphone ENC system that’s backed up by AI.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Using the current policy baseline, the CBO found that the legislation would reduce the deficit by $508 billion.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 July 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
  • 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
  • Newsom, however, was an outspoken opponent of the proposition.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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