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Synonym Chooser

How is the word curt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of curt are bluff, blunt, brusque, crusty, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

Where would bluff be a reasonable alternative to curt?

The words bluff and curt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When could blunt be used to replace curt?

While in some cases nearly identical to curt, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would brusque be a good substitute for curt?

The words brusque and curt can be used in similar contexts, but brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can crusty take the place of curt?

The meanings of crusty and curt largely overlap; however, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When is it sensible to use gruff instead of curt?

In some situations, the words gruff and curt are roughly equivalent. However, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

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 curt Grumpy and delightfully curt, Martin gives up his successful career as a surgeon after developing a fear of blood and takes over as a general practitioner in a small seaside town called Portwenn full of reliably quirky characters. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025 There was drama between Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, leading to curt radio messages by Hamilton accusing Ferrari of poor teamwork when he got stuck behind his teammate while on faster tires. Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 4 May 2025 In an attempt to punish new castmate Angela Oakley for bringing an uninvited guest, Porsha stonewalls Angela throughout her celebratory dinner, resorting to curt, one-word answers whenever prodded by the group to participate. Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 12 May 2025 But his curt, at times browbeating, management style resurfaced, alienating some subordinates, according to former colleagues. Adam Goldman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curt
Adjective
  • The cause of death was traumatic blunt force injuries.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2025
  • The magnetized tank struck the child, who died of blunt force trauma injuries.
    Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 20 July 2025
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
  • There are subtle transitions in this narrative, carefully plotted points of reference which keep the story from ever feeling disjointed or abrupt.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • In an abrupt June 23 announcement—only two months after the deal was unveiled—Novo Nordisk severed the partnership.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 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
  • For beginners, Bravo recommends starting with short sessions and using a handle for support while your body adapts.
    Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Nestled in the forest and just a short buggy ride from the main grounds, the one-bedroom Villa Pentágonos is the hotel's crown jewel—a retreat where nature and creature comforts coexist.
    Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 14 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
Adjective
  • Audiences can often sense the corporate overlords’ gruff hands pushing these previously distinct programs together.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 10 July 2025
  • Their gruff cheers mismatched the high-pitched hum of the buggies.
    William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The same substantive deficits afflict Louise-Parker, too, whose bright eyes and brusque wit are wasted in a role that’s villainous potential exists only in exposition.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 July 2025
  • Going from Pitch Stop to Drama Room meant a brusque shift, with all four projects grappling with questions either directly tied to or adjacent to modern masculinity.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curt. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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