1
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
a brief but crucial admonition to keep quiet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in short
not lasting for a considerable time
fortunately, the meeting was brief
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in flash
lasting only for a short time
a brief flash of light
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
a one-page brief of the intelligence report
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mission
a specific task with which a person or group is charged
the soldiers' brief was to secure the village from enemy attacks
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lieutenant briefed his superior officers on the state of the enemy's fortifications
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to summarize
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
his duties include briefing intelligence reports for the president
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brief
Matt Schooley, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
In April 2026, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Australia for a brief visit focused on private business matters and charitable work.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2026
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
In a friend-of-the-court brief, the administration urged the Supreme Court to take up the case.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
The diplomat also spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't permitted to brief reporters.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Adjective
Mike Vrabel issued a brief statement Tuesday on the controversial photos taken of him and former Athletic reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort last month.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
In April 2026, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Australia for a brief visit focused on private business matters and charitable work.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
The new collection includes solid-colored one-pieces, as well as a colorful array of triangular bikini tops or Brazilian-cut briefs, tied at the sides to show even more skin.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
In a friend-of-the-court brief, the administration urged the Supreme Court to take up the case.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.
—Munir Ahmed, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
The diplomat also spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't permitted to brief reporters.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brief
Adjective
-
This new rule affords clear and concise considerations for both independent professionals and small businesses to build independence and economic growth, pursue risks, yet avoid regulatory and legal reprisal while doing so.—
Jennifer Oliver Oconnell,
Oc Register,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Fuentes offers a more concise gloss.—
Antonia Hitchens,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The soft, chiffon-style fabric is lightweight and breathable, and the short-sleeve design is easy to layer with a cardigan or denim jacket on cooler days.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The temporary truce has come under mounting strain throughout its short duration, with each side accusing the other of violating its terms.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The heaviest rain has shifted eastward, with the island of Molokai under a flash-flood warning on Sunday.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Kansas City will go from springlike warmth to winter fast as a powerful storm sweeps through Sunday, bringing damaging winds, a rapid temperature plunge with flash-freeze risk, and a quick burst of snow that could cut visibility, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The summary is usually ready within seconds after the appointment ends.—
Katherine Ruppelt,
Miami Herald,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Check out your summary of benefits for more details.—
Jackie Fortiér,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Williams said that the new results can help inform the experimental design for these future missions.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
If the company’s new partnership with Steppenwolf can advance this mission even further, then the years ahead are looking bright.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Williams said that the new results can help inform the experimental design for these future missions.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The fans who experience it smoothly will be the ones who planned early, stayed informed and adapted their expectations to the realities of hosting an event of this scale.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In 2024, Apple launched Apple Intelligence, which includes image generators, text rewriters, the ability to summarize push notifications and an integration with OpenAI's ChatGPT.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
21 Apr. 2026
-
That workflow provides doctors with more accurate answers that summarize and link to important papers and guidelines.—
Michal Ruprecht,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Previous attempts to secure ceasefires have had little or no impact, with the two sides blaming each other for violations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Start by trimming the tough, dry ends off the bunch and chop them into little logs.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brief. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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