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
Read more: Steelers Hit With Alarming New TJ Watt Update Ahead of Penix's first season as the full-time starter, Newton spoke out with some blunt advice for the Falcons' second-year quarterback. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 Asked if the current Denver core was good enough to follow the 2023 title with another, Jokic was blunt. Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
But Wells Fargo reckoned any price bumps would be blunted because many manufacturers and retailers stocked up on materials and products before tariffs took effect. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 12 June 2025 Swift said, however, that the abatement dispute override mathematically blunts the tax impact on homeowners, which was the intent of Wu’s tax proposal. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • But Jose says the sudden overall enthusiasm for food additive regulation reflects consumer frustration with federal inaction and an abrupt political embrace of the issue by conservative lawmakers historically resistant to regulation.
    Yuki Noguchi, NPR, 30 July 2025
  • The exact reasons for the abrupt March departure of Kroger's CEO have remained a mystery.
    Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Even if the tree is far away from hard surfaces, exposed tree roots can dull and break lawn mower blades.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2025
  • Like knives, can openers should not be washed in the dishwasher to avoid rusting and dulling the blades.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 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
  • Families can also listen to short episodes of the Cow Tales Podcast and find more secret missions.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • The ban aims to improve academic achievement, reduce cyberbullying, and minimize classroom disruptions.
    Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025
  • Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • What’s typically offered instead is a form of neuraxial anesthesia, which numbs out a large swath of your body by blocking nerve signals in your spine.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 16 July 2025
  • In his opening voiceover, which floats above the sort of glassy synth music that’s meant to numb our judgment, Mel informs us that he was conceived during a conjugal visit when his father was in prison, and that his dad once told him that he was destined to wind up back behind bars.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The judge was curt but courteous; a Spanish-language interpreter was available on a large video screen to his right.
    Jordan Salama, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • A week later, following speculation by critics and outspoken celebrities that this was a politically motivated move, Paramount obtained FCC approval for an $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.
    KiMi Robinson, USA Today, 30 July 2025
  • Being outspoken is even better, and with cord-cutting wreaking havoc on TV viewing, traditional TV players that used to develop their talent in house are increasingly turning to outsiders to help give them relevance to an audience that might otherwise bypass their content.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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