Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of succinct are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

The meanings of compendious and succinct largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for succinct?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to succinct, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct are close in meaning, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

Examples of succinct in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The book’s shrewd analysis, insightful observations, and clear and succinct style are somewhat tainted by a number of factual inaccuracies. Owen Matthews, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2023 True to his Nordic roots, his answers are succinct and a bit mystical, and some topics are clearly off-limits – ‘leave the politics to the politicians’. Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 27 June 2024 Listen to this article A few hours ahead of the start of this week’s Subway Series, Pete Alonso had a succinct way of describing Aaron Judge’s 2024 season. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024 But the team itself put out just a succinct 55-word statement. Mirjam Swanson, Orange County Register, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for succinct 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'succinct.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Thesaurus Entries Near succinct

Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 10 Sep. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on succinct

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