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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 Grumpy and delightfully curt, Martin gives up his successful career as a surgeon after developing a fear of blood and takes over as a general practitioner in a small seaside town called Portwenn full of reliably quirky characters. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 There was drama between Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, leading to curt radio messages by Hamilton accusing Ferrari of poor teamwork when he got stuck behind his teammate while on faster tires. Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2025 In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025 But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues. Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt
Adjective
  • Pike's remains were found dismembered, and the medical examiner ruled there was blunt head trauma, but no criminal charges have been filed.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Effortlessly chic and elegant, the French bob is slightly textured and blunt at the ends, which skim just above the top of her shoulders.
    Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • McVey, 28, has reaped a personal bonus from the concise coaching: he’s been freed up to develop his game by not having to direct traffic as much.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Then draft a concise, personalized cover letter highlighting my strongest fit points.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The abrupt decision bypassed the government’s normal process for evaluating and recommending vaccines, and Kennedy did not offer scientific evidence to justify the change to the recommendations.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025
  • There is nothing more abrupt in pro sports than retirement.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Our brief taste of fall weather gets interrupted today with some rain and thunderstorm chances, though most of the precipitation should land in the morning hours.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • In the future, organizations may explore integrating brief breathwork exercises into virtual meetings, including breathing resets during long work sessions and developing digital platforms that offer customizable breathwork routines.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These unique squirrels have a speckled brownish gray coat with shorter tails that are not as bushy as the more common fox squirrels.
    Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The Elevated Velocity’s profile ― long hood, spacious interior, short rear overhang, fastback rear end ― is consistent with the current Cadillac Lyriq and Celestiq.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The young man risked beatings that would end in summary execution for sneaking in extra food to prisoners who were supposed to be the empire’s work-and-starve-to-death slaves.
    Charles Pellegrino, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The central quartet of friends have a supportive connection underneath all their hormones and egos — Elba proves a standout as the gruff but warm defacto leader — that makes their bloody and sexed-up misadventures oddly wholesome.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Dougal MacKenzie loves a good prank — and so do the actors who play the gruff Highland Scot.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Israelis are friendly and curious (if sometimes brusque) and Israel’s tourism industry is an important one.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The same substantive deficits afflict Louise-Parker, too, whose bright eyes and brusque wit are wasted in a role that’s villainous potential exists only in exposition.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curt. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.

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