Definition of concisenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective concise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can compendious be used instead of concise?

The meanings of compendious and concise largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could laconic be used to replace concise?

In some situations, the words laconic and concise are roughly equivalent. However, 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 concise?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of concise?

The synonyms succinct and concise are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would summary be a reasonable alternative to concise?

While in some cases nearly identical to concise, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would terse be a good substitute for concise?

While the synonyms terse and concise are close in meaning, 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 concise In its ongoing efforts to refine and finetune its total look proposition to cater to modern men’s needs, Lardini unveiled a concise lineup suitable for layering and mixing and matching. Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 From defining an impact thesis to developing an investment process, the roadmap outlines five concise steps for integrating aging considerations into long-term investment strategies. The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Donna Kelce, mother of Travis and Jason, gave a concise reaction to the wedding while speaking with Macy's at the company's Fourth of July event in New York. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 July 2026 After considering a visitor’s question for a few seconds, the AI avatar gave a concise ruling, with specific citations to the USGA rulebook. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
Adjective
  • The judge considered hundreds of pages of evidence and testimony from San Diego officials, homeowners and their lawyers and determined that the city had not met the burden for what is called summary adjudication in any of the five causes of actions.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who represents both Russell and Flores, argued in both cases that prosecutors had made unusual decisions to charge the deputies with civil rights violations for brief, one-off choices.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026
Adjective
  • These colonial-era healths are succinct, no more than 20 words apiece.
    Brooke Barbier, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • His vision of succinct stories that don’t need to be overdone is a beautiful sentiment.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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