Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective terse contrast with its synonyms?

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

a terse reply

When is compendious a more appropriate choice than terse?

While in some cases nearly identical to terse, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could concise be used to replace terse?

The words concise and terse can be used in similar contexts, but concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can laconic be used instead of terse?

In some situations, the words laconic and terse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 terse?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Where would succinct be a reasonable alternative to terse?

The words succinct and terse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When is it sensible to use summary instead of terse?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

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 terse They’re soon assisted by a makeshift vigilante crew led by a delightfully terse Margaret Cho as Pops, a hard-as-nails butch lesbian who makes an applause-worthy entrance on an electric scooter. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 June 2025 True, interactions these days can become terse unless the prevailing opinion, and only the prevailing opinion, stands as the sole opinion. Christina L. Sgro, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 On its face, the Supreme Court’s terse, one-sentence opinion means that Oklahoma cannot presently create and fund a Roman Catholic charter school – an online K-12 institution. Charles J. Russo, The Conversation, 23 May 2025 If the last interaction with someone was tense, even a neutral question can feel terse. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for terse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terse
Adjective
  • Complex questions produced up to six times more carbon dioxide emissions than questions with concise answers.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 25 June 2025
  • This epic yet concise 90-minute local history melange is told through short vignettes.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • In a brief exchange with reporters on Friday, Carney addressed questions about the breakdown in talks.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 29 June 2025
  • For a brief moment, everything seemed to be going according to plan.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 29 June 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

“Terse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terse. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.

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