Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

brusque

adjective
variants: also brusk

Synonyms and 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 of brusque

abrupt, bluff, blunt, crusty, curt, downright, short, snippy, unceremonious
Words Related to brusque

gruff, rough, snappish

candid, direct, forthright, foursquare, frank, free-spoken, open, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, point-blank, straightforward, straight-out

artless, discourteous, disrespectful, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, insensitive, rude, tactless, undiplomatic

brief, closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, terse, tight-lipped

earnest, honest, sincere

coarse, crass, crude, low, uncouth, vulgar
Near Antonyms of brusque

civil, considerate, courteous, diplomatic, gracious, polite, politic, smooth, suave, tactful

loquacious, talkative, voluble

long-winded, prolix, verbose

courtly, cultivated, gallant, genteel, polished, refined
Antonyms of brusque

circuitous, mealymouthed

Synonym Discussion of brusque

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.
    • a bluff manner
blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.
    • a blunt appraisal
brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.
    • a brusque response
curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.
    • a curt command
crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.
    • a crusty exterior
gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.
    • puts on a gruff pose

Learn More about brusque

  1. See words that rhyme with brusque Dictionary: Definition of brusque Spanish Central: Translation of brusque Nglish: Translation of brusque for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of brusque for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up brusque? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games