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

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 succinct This level of attention to detail is what got the Oakley name off the ground as well as astronauts into space, fostering a succinct vision for the future. Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 His messaging, as Jazz Chisholm Jr. described it, was succinct. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 4 July 2025 As has became standard practice for competitions these days, the intel is meted out in drips and drams so that consumers can be kept on their toes throughout the year, as opposed to having it all over and done with in one succinct announcement. Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 James Harden was succinct in his praise for Leonard’s willingness to continually work on his body. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for succinct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
Adjective
  • Draft concise speaker notes, of a maximum length of 40 words, to accompany each slide.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Those include developing a clear and concise framework of the city’s role in disaster response, creating a city-specific recovery plan, clarifying the roles of the mayor’s office and City Council and updating disaster communication plan, policies and training.
    Jaelyn Rodriguez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025
Adjective
  • Individual games through an 18-week season are so variable that sports books generally don’t offer odds for every single game in a season for more than just a brief moment to create headlines.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 23 July 2025
  • On a brief stakeout at two Duck World establishments, CNBC observed shoppers ranging from rambunctious toddlers to middle-aged tourists.
    Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Human Rights Watch said M23’s efforts to consolidate control of Goma have involved possible war crimes, including the summary execution of civilians in February.
    Michela Wrong, NBC news, 6 June 2025
  • Unlike traditional employee income, business income does not always come with summary tax forms like the W2 at the end of the year.
    Vlad Rusz, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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