Definition of laconicnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laconic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious, concise, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to laconic?

Although the words compendious and laconic have much in common, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is concise a more appropriate choice than laconic?

The words concise and laconic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

How is pithy related to other words for laconic?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When might succinct be a better fit than laconic?

The synonyms succinct and laconic are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of laconic?

The meanings of summary and laconic largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

In what contexts can terse take the place of laconic?

While in some cases nearly identical to laconic, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 laconic Keeping time on the group’s moody ballads, Stewart is a steadying force, capably anchoring the sound led by Barry’s laconic vocals and drum teacher Bova’s spiky guitar leads. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2025 Daynard, a laconic sort who wouldn’t order a hot dog without due process, tasked his staff to study the matter closely. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 Observations, snippets of dialogue, and wry anecdotes make up this laconic novel, which focusses on the life of a young woman in New York. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025 In the laconic tones of a police report, Ibargüengoitia investigates the murders and their motives, the society and the profession - the oldest of all, but no less mysterious for that - which precipitated them. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laconic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laconic
Adjective
  • The Deutsche Bank document in the Epstein files provides a concise accounting of the range of schools at which Epstein covered tuition.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Throughout their 52 years in operation as a family business, Elizabeth’s distinguished itself by honing concise and persuasive staff recommendations.
    Jess deCourcy Hinds February 13, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The first call for help was a silent text message from an emergency beacon, mobilizing a small army of rescuers dispatched from different directions.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Despite being a quick walk from downtown Palm Springs, the Historic Tennis Club is snoozy and near-silent—perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Suns opened the fourth with a 9-0 run, but a 3-pointer by Harper, followed by an and-one White floater and another three by Scheierman, snuffed out the brief rally.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Our snow chances are set to return on Sunday, with a brief round of morning snow looking possible according to model data.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Before, Tatum had only thought of himself as a dumb jock on the football team.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Hustling up the twisty Route 33 in California’s Ojai Valley, the C-HR felt responsive, but the lateral pitching at speed, coupled with a 4,300-pound curb weight, discourages you from carrying a dumb pace into corners.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Top each lettuce half with 2 tablespoons burnt garlic Caesar dressing and sprinkle with reserved bread crumbs, divided between plates.
    C.W. Cameron, AJC.com, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Top everything with the reserved 2/3 cup of cheese.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • So far, the looks have featured modern takes on retro looks, eye-catching juxtapositions, and impactful yet restrained looks.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The script here is too stiffly restrained to a fault to make much of an emotional impact, even as spending time with these actors historically is never without pleasures.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Aside from the 43rd president’s penchant for surfacing mostly for official events — joking in an affectionate and hilarious manner with Michelle Obama — Bush’s taciturn post-presidency cuts a striking contrast with the two men who bracketed his tenure.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Joseph, taciturn, with an angular face and the shadow of a mustache, was a commander in his father’s military.
    Nicolas Niarchos, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laconic. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

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