variants also brusk

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 Near the end of our interview, his brusque exterior cracked. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025 But a few weeks before its initial six-month contract was set to run out, in mid-September 1994, things came to a brusque end. Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025 An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime. Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025 For example, while one team member might feel valued by direct and candid communication, another may interpret the same approach as brusque or insensitive, instead needing more consideration or attention. Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for brusque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque
Adjective
  • These findings suggest a shift toward stronger, more abrupt convective storms.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • This abrupt change in policy will devastate the booming Florida solar industry and prevent millions of homeowners and businesses across the state from saving money and asserting energy choice with solar for years to come.
    Susan Tanski, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Register Calibration: What reads as efficient in American English might come across as curt or even disrespectful in Japanese.
    Alessa Cross, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Grumpy and delightfully curt, Martin gives up his successful career as a surgeon after developing a fear of blood and takes over as a general practitioner in a small seaside town called Portwenn full of reliably quirky characters.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The post came just hours after the singer shared an image of what appeared to be his hand holding a burning blunt, as well as what appeared to be a back and forth with what appeared to be a now-former friend.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 June 2025
  • Prosecutors say Scott’s daughter was found lifeless and had suffered multiple blunt force injuries.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • And even if that feels rude by the standards of today, people were forced to answer her questions and answer to the things that the public wanted to know.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • There are so many things that can be off or what if just the woman walks in and just is not attracted to the guy or the man is rude to the waiter.
    Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Eric Bauman, a gruff and tireless political operative who led two of California’s most powerful Democratic organizations before resigning amid misconduct allegations, died Monday.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
  • Cross-examination from the defense’s gruff Xavier Donaldson will continue first thing Tuesday when the trial picks up again.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Yes, Nuno will always be reminded about his short and unsuccessful stint at Tottenham Hotspur.
    Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • Long story short, Shaulis made some unflattering comments about Paucek on social media.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Next Generations and had recurring roles as the snippy Emma Johnson on NBC’s 227 and as a judge on ABC’s The Practice.
    Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 21 June 2025
  • Television reviewer Gary Deeb has been described as arrogant, snippy, opinionated, demanding and a host of other adjectives, some printable.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • The group, once a dominant force in the women's division, came to an unceremonious end due to releases and injuries.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
  • Senate Bill 6, which would have required camps operated by towns and cities across Connecticut to be regulated by the state, had received support in the Senate, but efforts to move that forward came to an unceremonious end when the House failed to take it up on the last day of the session.
    Laura Tillman, Hartford Courant, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brusque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brusque. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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