as in concisely
in a few words
the beleaguered mayor curtly answered all questions with a simple "No comment"
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Recent Examples of curtly
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
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
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Washington Crossing the Delaware is perfect tour-guide material—it can be seen by a bunch of people at once, and its story can be told concisely, timed to the minute.—
Susan Tallman,
The Atlantic,
13 June 2026
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Knowing what to do if a power surge damages your appliances and electronics is essential for protecting your home, preventing future issues, and reporting damages clearly and concisely to your insurance company and the local electric company.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Adverb
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Short played for both the Mets and the Braves in the 2024 season, as well as the Boston Red Sox, and was briefly a member of the Houston Astros before his latest stint with the Tigers.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
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Check in briefly, and keep promises small for now please.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
20 June 2026
Adverb
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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
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On Friday, the House Speaker, Mike Johnson, tersely rejected the bill, calling it a joke.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Curtly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtly. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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