CURTLY Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

curtly

adverb

Definition of curtly

as in concisely

in a few words the beleaguered mayor curtly answered all questions with a simple "No comment"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 curtly Juliette later makes a stop to see Shirley, who is still being unreasonably pouty about her amnesiac friend not remembering her — and is, again, curtly dismissive of Juliette’s search for Lukas. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 17 July 2026 But Ruben curtly responds that the only real homophobe is Niall himself. — Barry Levitt, Time, 29 May 2026 The Yangs were called in and curtly told the judgment was being overturned, their lawsuit dismissed without trial. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtly

Adverb

There is one fascinating bit after the next in this exhibit, all laid out concisely by Henneman in the wall text.

— Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026
Communicating it simply and concisely requires a clear framework, strong data and deep business understanding.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of concisely

Adverb

The victim's son, Patrick Malone, spoke briefly to media after the execution.

— KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Nathan Fielder and Vera Wang chatted briefly as the crowd waiting to enter Alice Tully Hall grew, while Julia Fox and other beautiful downtown and Brooklyn nightlife fixtures fanned out around the auditorium.

— Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of briefly

Adverb

Just about all of their artistry is exerted on the script, which deftly intercuts between the time frames, advancing their plots in episodes that, though tersely dramatic, are superficial in their efficiency.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
That’s how Graeme McDowell tersely justified his reason for joining controversial LIV Golf in 2022.

— CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of tersely

Browse Nearby Words

curtilages

curtly

curtness

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“Curtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtly. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of curtly

adverb

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