curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

1

a

: sparing of words : terse

wrote curt precise sentences

b

: marked by rude or peremptory (see peremptory sense 3) shortness : brusque

a curt refusal

In a curt voice, he ordered the server to bring him a glass of water.

2

: shortened in linear dimension

curtly adverb

curtness noun

Synonyms

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

Choose the Right Synonym for curt

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Examples of curt in a Sentence

He gave only a curt reply to the question.

she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question

Recent Examples on the Web

Following 2021’s curt, arresting When Smoke Rises, this year’s heftier Dunya tugs at the decade’s most disheartening threads. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024

But the crime scene is swiftly wiped clean, her body removed to avert suspicion and her phone sending curt messages about returning to Los Angeles for a job. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024

Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end. —Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024

Beckwith made the comments at a Monroe County Republican Party meeting in early October; on Monday, the head of his ticket, gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, gave a curt statement to IndyStar expressing disapproval. —Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

: rudely abrupt or brief in speech

a curt reply

curtly adverb

curtness noun