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
1
as in shortness
the condition of being short
the briefness of the instructions rendered them less than helpful
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in concision
the quality or state of being marked by or using only few words to convey much meaning
in this case the briefness of the essay is not a drawback because it says all that needs to be said and does so with eloquence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 brief
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
That trough has allowed the marine level to expand after its brief stints of compression and brings down temperatures, Gass said.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The impact of amicus briefs is thus at the discretion of the court.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2025
June 23, CBS News, 23 June 2025
But both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brief
Adjective
Earlier this year, Schmidt sold his sprawling Atherton estate for $22.5 million after a brief market appearance.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
That trough has allowed the marine level to expand after its brief stints of compression and brings down temperatures, Gass said.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Noun
The attorneys general of 20 states filed an amicus brief supporting the group’s motion for a preliminary injunction in the case.
—Cathy Bussewitz, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The impact of amicus briefs is thus at the discretion of the court.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 2025
Verb
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said Monday afternoon that he still hasn't been briefed by the White House.
—June 23, CBS News, 23 June 2025
But both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they were briefed ahead of the strikes on Saturday, according to people familiar with the situation and granted anonymity to discuss it.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for brief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brief
Adjective
-
Complex questions produced up to six times more carbon dioxide emissions than questions with concise answers.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
25 June 2025
-
This epic yet concise 90-minute local history melange is told through short vignettes.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
For short or light exercise, plain water is usually the best choice.75 Many people use Gatorade to hydrate after being sick.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
1 July 2025
-
The rapper mostly looked at the judge during the short court session.—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz , Maria Paronich , Brendan McDonald,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
-
The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
30 Sep. 2024
Verb
-
There is no need to inform domains about their sluggish new competition.—
Michael Gargiulo,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2025
-
Officials pledged to inform the public through official channels as the situation evolves.—
Amanda Castro
Hannah Parry
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 June 2025
Verb
-
Among its tasks will be assisting with coding, acting as a translation tool and summarize complex documents for workers.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
24 June 2025
-
The Pandemic Greases the Wheels The evidence summarized in Karlin's fact sheet had been around for decades.—
Liana Simstrom,
NPR,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February.—
Michela Wrong,
NBC news,
6 June 2025
-
Unlike traditional employee income, business income does not always come with summary tax forms like the W2 at the end of the year.—
Vlad Rusz,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
-
There are these ideas about sunstones and sundials, or little sun compasses, which are entirely possible.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2025
-
Taylor, meanwhile, became a meme at the end of last year as fans couldn’t get enough of her performance as Young Nessarose, Elphaba’s little sister, in Wicked.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Even with the temporary pause, abrupt policy changes have left some business owners tapping into personal savings, postponing expansions and in some cases, closing altogether.—
Ana Valdez,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson announced a temporary suspension of her re-election campaign in a statement on May 21.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brief. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share