blunt 1 of 3

Definition of bluntnext

blunt

2 of 3

verb

bluntness

3 of 3

noun

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
The medical examiner determined Leyden died from blunt force trauma to the head and other physical injuries. Katie Houlis, CBS News, 11 June 2026 The passenger who fell out died almost 24 hours later at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center from traumatic blunt force injuries, and was identified as Miguel Martinez, 46, of Nampa. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 11 June 2026
Verb
The medical examiner attributed his death to blunt force trauma to the head, according to the release. Andrew Blankstein, NBC news, 10 June 2026 What Alejo can do is blunt the effect of all these indignities and do the heavy lifting to make someone’s life a little easier. Megan Greenwell, Bloomberg, 9 June 2026
Noun
Queen Elizabeth loved Kelly’s pragmatic bluntness and viewed her as an incredibly loyal friend. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 Inspired by the super cropped bobs of the roaring 1920s, the French bob is similar to a one-length short bob, but sans any harsh bluntness. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • Instead, season 4 revealed that Bill's story had come to an abrupt end.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
  • The abrupt end to her doubles foray at the HSBC Queen’s Club Championships was more muted.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The results have been impressive enough from far away, but examined more closely as a blunted, external force, Big Brother has almost always been too literal in horror cinema.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
  • Orientation matters; garlic is planted vertically, with the root (blunted) end of the clove facing down, and the sprout (pointy) end facing up.
    Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Fabric softener leaves a residue on elastane fibers that can dull the finish and attract bacteria, which causes excessive odor.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
  • Check for Lawn Debris Before mowing, walk the area and check for objects that could dull your mower if the blade picks them up.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Anyone hoping to see intricate short passing has been sorely disappointed thus far.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026
  • An affordable wellness retreat typically falls in the budget-to-mid-range tier, roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for a week-long stay, or under $500 per night for shorter trips.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The coronavirus vaccine reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events linked to covid-19 — strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalization from heart disease — by about 40 percent, according to a new study.
    Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 16 June 2026
  • Fox would take on $8 million in debt to pay for the Roku acquisition, and the companies expect to reduce combined expenses by $400 million.
    Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Rose bet that a less gruff voice, ultimately Mike Brown’s, was required to win it all.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
  • Platner, a gruff 41-year-old Marine Corps veteran, is trying to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins with a platform of economic populism, universal health care, labor protections, and anti-interventionism.
    Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • But now Love was an open wound and was numbing her grief in one way or another.
    Quinn Moreland, Pitchfork, 14 June 2026
  • Burrowing into the past with our phones, streaming the familiar at the expense of the new, is one method people use to numb themselves to the present.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Our separation would need to be curt and the novel did it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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