elliptically

adverb

Definition of ellipticallynext
as in concisely
in a few words the characters in Harold Pinter's plays speak elliptically leaving much of the meaning to be conveyed by the frequent, lengthy pauses

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 elliptically Her outside-looking in remembrances (Romvari shoots scenes sometimes from the perspective of looking through a window) elliptically convey much – parental anguish about what would be the best call to action for the entire family, not the upheaval felt within the family. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for elliptically
  1. concisely
  2. briefly
  3. tersely
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
  • Raman brought up Gates briefly while criticizing the mayor over the Los Angeles Police Department’s handling of federal immigration enforcement during Tuesday night’s debate.
    — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Smith doubled in the sixth inning, when the Dodgers briefly took a 2-1 lead.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of briefly
Adverb
  • 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
  • On Friday, the House Speaker, Mike Johnson, tersely rejected the bill, calling it a joke.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Definition of tersely

Browse Nearby Words

elliptical
elliptically
ells
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Cite this Entry

“Elliptically.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/elliptically. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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