BLUNT Synonyms: 158 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'blunt' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of blunt are bluff , brusque , crusty , curt , and gruff . While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. // a blunt appraisal

Q: When would 'bluff' be a good substitute for 'blunt'?

The words bluff and blunt can be used in similar contexts, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. // a bluff manner

Q: When is 'brusque' a more appropriate choice than 'blunt'?

The words brusque and blunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. // a brusque response

Q: When might 'crusty' be a better fit than 'blunt'?

While the synonyms crusty and blunt are close in meaning, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. // a crusty exterior

Q: Where would 'curt' be a reasonable alternative to 'blunt'?

The meanings of curt and blunt largely overlap; however, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. // a curt command

Q: When can 'gruff' be used instead of 'blunt'?

Although the words gruff and blunt have much in common, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. // puts on a gruff pose

blunt 1 of 2

adjective

ˈblənt

Definition of blunt next

as in abrupt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner he values honesty and is quite blunt about telling people what he doesn't like about them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blunted

lacking sharpness of edge or point a blunt knife won't open that package

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blunt

2 of 2

verb

as in to dull

to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word blunt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of blunt are bluff, brusque, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would bluff be a good substitute for blunt?

The words bluff and blunt can be used in similar contexts, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When is brusque a more appropriate choice than blunt?

The words brusque and blunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When might crusty be a better fit than blunt?

While the synonyms crusty and blunt are close in meaning, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

Where would curt be a reasonable alternative to blunt?

The meanings of curt and blunt largely overlap; however, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When can gruff be used instead of blunt?

Although the words gruff and blunt have much in common, 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 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 blunt

Adjective

Despite this success, his reputation for having a blunt and sometimes contentious relationship with the media persists. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024 In addition to suing Abel, Jones sued Baldoni and Nathan, the crisis public relations professional whose blunt text messages have rocketed across social media. —

Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024

Verb

Israel was spectacularly successful in working with the United States and its Arab partners to blunt those strikes. —

Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024 Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days The end of daylight saving time is an abrupt shift: from one day to the next, the day is blunted. —

Kari Leibowitz, TIME, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for blunt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt

Adjective

Kimbell’s abrupt retirement was greeted positively by investors, who sent shares of Ulta up 3.9 percent to $448 in after-hours trading on Monday.

Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
The abrupt shift can be quite violent, as both dry ice (composed of carbon dioxide) and regular ice (made of water) become much weaker and begin to break.

Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 6 Jan. 2025