terse 1 of 2

terseness

2 of 2

noun

as in concision
the quality or state of being marked by or using only few words to convey much meaning the terseness of my replies simply meant that I was too busy to talk at that time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 terse
Adjective
Their terse exchanges and angry tirades are searching, almost desperate pleas for direction and mutual understanding. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025 He was inspired by the terse, concrete lines of Gertrude Stein and the repetition printmaking of Andy Warhol. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025 That being said, the excitement in seeing a terse, emotionally stunted, semi-elderly man (after the time jump, Joel is now 61 years old) sit down to better understand his emotions is muted by the fact he’s been lying in every session. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Apr. 2025 On Wednesday morning, the government filed a terse motion seeking to dismiss the case. Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terse
Adjective
  • In a concise 30-to-45-minute session, volunteers learn to recognize warning signs, ask direct questions, validate the veterans' experience, and expedite referral to services—summarized by the acronym SAVE.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2025
  • Scheduling a concise daily standup meeting can keep alignment tight.
    Max Avery, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Also taken from the pair’s time in TV comedy is concision.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025
  • This interview has been edited for clarity and concision.
    Maya Silver, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just a brief walk from the preserve’s entrance, this unique grotto reveals a stunning 50-foot waterfall cascading into a jade-green pool.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • India is emerging after a brief conflict with Pakistan, with a ceasefire thankfully appearing to hold for now.
    Vasuki Shastry, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Deputy Attorney General Drew Ensign struggled to answer a barrage of Boasberg’s questions during a Thursday hearing in Washington’s federal court, home to a multi-week standoff over President Trump’s executive power to exert summary deportations in the name of national security.
    David Catanese, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Terse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terse. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terse

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!