Thesaurus

brusque

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

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variants: also brusk

Synonyms & Antonyms of brusque

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner

a brusque and unhelpful reply from the clerk in the hardware store

Synonyms for brusque

Words Related to brusque

Near Antonyms for brusque

Antonyms for brusque

Frequently Asked Questions About brusque

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