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 Curated by Philippe Halbert, associate curator of American decorative arts at the Wadsworth, the exhibit, located on the museum’s Avery 2 level, is a concise one-gallery gathering of Hartford-specific items that span centuries of local history and culture. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2025 The Look and Sound of Leadership Each episode delivers concise, ready-to-use strategies for communicating with confidence, managing teams and leading through change. Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 There is no shortage of lengthy and confusing timelines of Swift’s battle to own those albums on the Internet, but below is a concise history. Jem Aswad, Variety, 30 May 2025 But Democrats have struggled to come up with a concise message 100 days into the administration. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
Adjective
  • Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February.
    Michela Wrong, NBC news, 6 June 2025
  • Unlike traditional employee income, business income does not always come with summary tax forms like the W2 at the end of the year.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Now, the better part of two weeks after tactical Officer Krystal Rivera died in the friendly fire incident, investigators are still searching for the suspect who sparked a brief foot pursuit that ultimately led to the fatal gunfire in a Chatham apartment building.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • Following a brief stint in public relations, their work has now appeared in lifestyle and culture publications such as Men's Health, Complex… Read More Read More On: Home Design News Phoenix Real Estate Like this article?
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Titles were often followed by a cascade of succinct bullet points, replacing the depth and flow of complete paragraphs.
    J. Jasser, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2025
  • And for those needing a succinct catch-up on all things Panthers ... this is the place for you.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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