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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

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 curt But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues. Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 Text generators tend to write long, even when the prompt is curt. Victoria Turk, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025 If something bothers you, have the conversation before your body language starts speaking for you through a curt tone, closed posture or disengagement. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The sixth song on Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, is a curt history lesson nestled in a massive song cycle with an undeniable rallying cry. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt
Adjective
  • Two of the dogs died of heat stroke, one of blunt force trauma, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Danica Drotman told Judge Kimberly Menninger during Monday’s hearing, drawing gasps from the owners in the courtroom gallery.
    Sean Emery, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025
  • An autopsy later revealed that O’Keefe had died from blunt force trauma and hypothermia.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The researchers found that the reasoning models generated significantly more tokens, which correlate with CO₂ emissions, than the more concise models.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 19 June 2025
  • That’s compared to more concise models which required just 37.7 tokens per question.
    Simmone Shah, Time, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • These findings suggest a shift toward stronger, more abrupt convective storms.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2025
  • Sargent was named the interim CEO in March following the abrupt resignation of Kroger’s former leader, Rodney McMullen, after an investigation into his personal conduct.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • For a brief moment, everything seemed to be going according to plan.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 29 June 2025
  • Sadly, the wheels (or should that be legs?) all come off in that final act, as the film limps towards its conclusion via a brief stay in Harlan Ogilvy (Robbins)' basement.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 June 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Going from Pitch Stop to Drama Room meant a brusque shift, with all four projects grappling with questions either directly tied to or adjacent to modern masculinity.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 June 2025
  • That voice — brusque, solidly accented, cured in cigarette smoke, marinated in Jack Daniels — comes to me all the time.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curt. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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