variants also brusk
Definition of brusquenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brusque distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff, blunt, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can bluff take the place of brusque?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When might blunt be a better fit than brusque?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

Where would crusty be a reasonable alternative to brusque?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When could curt be used to replace brusque?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When is gruff a more appropriate choice than brusque?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, 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 brusque Over the years, Braunwald continued his work, his brusque manner occasionally rubbing his subordinates and colleagues the wrong way. Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026 European allies already had plenty of experience of Zelensky’s brusque manner. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026 Known for his brusque demeanor, Brush frequently courted controversy. Libby Cierzniak, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026 That puts her at odds with Ray, whose investment in her son hinges on a brusque, performative disregard for Colin’s happiness. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brusque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque
Adjective
  • From a clinical perspective, abrupt discontinuation of regular medication can carry risks.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • The tail end of the aforementioned second act does address some of the novel’s darkness with an abrupt tonal shift that left Tuesday’s audience gasping in horror, rather than glee.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • The other man died from what a police official described as blunt force injuries.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 30 May 2026
  • Greta Lee is officially back on team bangs, debuting a blunt new fringe on Thursday at the UK premiere of Toy Story 5 in London.
    Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • With his gruff voice, beard and sweatshirts-instead-of-suits, Platner cuts the figure of a blue-collar Mainer.
    Caroline McCaughey, Boston Herald, 4 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
Adjective
  • The resort's short course, The Clutch, takes full advantage of the scenic setting, and fishing charters and nature tours are available from the marina.
    Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 9 June 2026
  • All of this might seem a lot to go through for a few short words, but since those words are the first impression of the book, and have to be intriguing all on their own, the effort was well worthwhile—enough, hopefully, to invite readers to pick up the book and make their own decision.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is a profound difference between rude political commentary and language that normalizes violence against other human beings.
    Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
  • In other words, leaving early isn't inherently rude.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brusque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brusque. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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