Synonyms of curt

curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

1

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner

she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blunt
• abrupt
• short
• gruff
• brusque
• snippy
• rude
• outspoken
• downright
• bluff
• unceremonious
• crusty
• crass
• honest
• frank
• straightforward
• snappish
• candid
• plain
• direct
• terse
• short-spoken
• forthright
• vulgar
• rough
• brief
• discourteous
• laconic
• tactless
• impolite
• plainspoken
• impertinent
• disrespectful
• insensitive
• earnest
• inconsiderate
• straight-out
• undiplomatic
• artless
• sincere
• open
• point-blank
• reserved
• coarse
• closemouthed
• reticent
• free-spoken
• uncouth
• crude
• foursquare
• tight-lipped
• low

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• polite
• courteous
• circuitous
• diplomatic
• civil
• tactful
• gracious
• smooth
• considerate
• suave
• politic
• talkative
• loquacious
• voluble
• mealymouthed
• prolix
• verbose
• polished
• gallant
• courtly
• genteel
• long-winded
• refined
• cultivated

2

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning

on a daily basis she e-mailed to her commanders curt reports on the situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• concise
• brief
• summary
• terse
• pithy
• blunt
• succinct
• monosyllabic
• laconic
• short
• telegraphic
• epigrammatic
• aphoristic
• sententious
• abrupt
• brusque
• crisp
• compendious
• compact
• capsule
• thumbnail
• elliptical
• condensed
• apothegmatic
• abbreviated
• shortened
• snippy
• meaningful
• curtailed
• abridged
• snippety
• substantial
• meaty
• well-turned
• significant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• wordy
• prolix
• circuitous
• verbose
• diffuse
• rambling
• redundant
• windy
• repetitious
• tautological
• long-winded
• circumlocutory
• enlarged
• exaggerated
• supplemented
• pleonastic
• expanded
• inflated
• tautologous
• embroidered
• embellished

Synonym Chooser

How is the word curt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of curt are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

Where would bluff be a reasonable alternative to curt?

The words bluff and curt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When could blunt be used to replace curt?

While in some cases nearly identical to curt, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would brusque be a good substitute for curt?

The words brusque and curt can be used in similar contexts, but brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can crusty take the place of curt?

The meanings of crusty and curt largely overlap; however, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When is it sensible to use gruff instead of curt?

In some situations, the words gruff and curt are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Recent Examples of curt

These and a few other basic elements recur throughout Martinů’s œuvre: curt themes, darting rhythms, tangy harmonies, glittering textures. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

The pillow talk on Man’s Best Friend often takes the curt, assertive tone of a person reproaching a precocious pet. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025

For example, In case of curt texts, instead of assuming hostility, default to curiosity. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

If that bluntness sound a little prosaic at first, there’s a curt poetry to it that comes into focus listening through 15 tracks that consist almost entirely of sisters Danielle, Alana and Este Haim handing in their respective resignations to long- or short-term partners, effectively immediately. —Chris Willman, Variety, 20 June 2025