Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective compendious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compendious are concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

In what contexts can concise take the place of compendious?

The words concise and compendious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than compendious?

The synonyms laconic and compendious are sometimes interchangeable, but laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for compendious?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is succinct a more appropriate choice than compendious?

In some situations, the words succinct and compendious are roughly equivalent. However, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of compendious?

The meanings of summary and compendious largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is it sensible to use terse instead of compendious?

Although the words terse and compendious have much in common, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 compendious In The Great Miscalculation: The Race to Save New York City’s Citicorp Tower (New York University Press, $27.95), Michael M. Greenburg goes into compendious detail about the debacle. Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025 The curious thing about this compendious, scrupulously researched biography, so rich in basketball and cultural lore, is that the best parts are not about basketball at all. Thomas Beller, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Although employment has begun to recover, the need to create jobs has prompted several Indian states to suspend many of the country’s compendious labour regulations. The Economist, 27 June 2020 Nonetheless, astronomers and astrophysicists came together to write a single compendious paper about the event. Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, 16 Oct. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compendious
Adjective
  • The Clockwork manicure was not as comprehensive as what 10Beauty looks to deliver, though absorbing the company’s data has accelerated 10Beauty’s own device and helped the company better understand what will and won’t work in autonomous services.
    Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025
  • As such, each festivalgoer will also be provided with a comprehensive guide to staying healthy while in Costa Rica that’s been developed in partnership with local doctors, health professionals and the Costa Rican Ministry of Health.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Full color pages, informative charts and concise articles also set the outlet apart from others.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Nor does the starring vehicle for Alexandra Daddario offer a concise, specific take to differentiate itself from Rice’s original — its own version of making Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson) a Black man who falls in love with his maker.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Before any surgery, patients undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure readiness, both physically and emotionally.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are conducting a thorough investigation with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The peace declaration included a commitment to withdraw heavy weapons from the border, de-mining efforts, and to de-escalate tensions that erupted into the brief but deadly border conflict.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025
  • An earlier, brief ceasefire between Pakistan and the TTP, brokered by Kabul in 2022, collapsed later after the group accused Islamabad of violating it.
    NPR, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Take a gander through a museum full of vintage Christmas decor for a nostalgic look back at how the holiday was celebrated throughout the years.
    Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
  • In it, the woman is wearing the then-modern attire of Viennese society, donning a white-and-blue dress and robe; the background, meanwhile, is full of East Asian motifs, representing Klimt’s fondness of Chinese and Japanese artifacts.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The extensive archaeological study covered an area of over three-quarters of a mile.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • His work has been so extensive, France’s minister of culture awarded him the prestigious Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres this year.
    Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Nearly every room, as well as multiple patios and verandas, offer panoramic views of the sixth fairway of Serrano Country Club’s golf course.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Or, for a luxury seven-room stay with panoramic views, try Ikuka Safari Camp.
    Elizabeth Gordon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compendious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compendious. Accessed 23 Nov. 2025.

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