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blunt

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verb

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

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 blunt
Adjective
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Amy McDaniel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2025 Its slender, sharp blades effortlessly cut through my thickest eyebrow hairs in need of trimming without leaving them with a blunt, boxy look, and its light, compact size is easy on my sensitive wrists. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 31 Jan. 2025
Verb
Both approaches can blunt the financial impact of carrying a debt burden over time. Kayla Steinberg, NBC News, 27 Jan. 2025 But with the 2024-25 NFL season winding down, and the Chiefs facing off against the Buffalo Bills in the American Football Conference championship game this weekend, the Taylor Swift effect appears to be blunted. Rob Csernyik, WIRED, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for blunt 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
Adjective
  • Despite the abrupt ending, a fan took to X to share their experience seeing Sheeran perform on the street.
    Janelle Ash, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The trooper then got behind the Acura, which prompted the driver to make an abrupt U-turn and start heading north, state police said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unlike opioid medications, which dull the sensation of pain in the brain, suzetrigine works by preventing pain-signaling nerves around the body from firing in the first place.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
  • She was floated as a possible running mate for Trump before a controversial anecdote from her memoir appeared to dull her chances.
    Julia Mueller, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Many conspiracy theorists have complained about Black history being relegated to the calendar’s shortest month.
    Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2025
  • While the preference was shorter contracts, Miami opted for Wiggins instead of trying to create trade packages that would leave them with mostly or all expiring contracts for average players. 4).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Introduced late in the first decade of the 2000s, the program was revived in 2022 as part of a series of insurance reforms that aimed to reduce litigation — and insurance company failures.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The track resonates with Belinda’s crystalline vocals, dynamic guitar riffs, and spirited trumpet interplays, while Tito’s distinctively gruff delivery adds grit to their musical escapade.
    Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Resolved to continue on her trip for the sake of her son, Sara finds herself in a perilous situation, and is forced to lean on the elusive Issac Reed (Taylor Kitsch), a gruff recluse who lives on the outskirts of Ft. Bridger.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Thatcher gets to explore a few different directions for Iris over the course of Companion, including numbing dullness, canny super-expertise, and steely aggression on par with the Terminator.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025
  • The impending cold snap that has the Front Range bracing for brutal temperatures also will deliver numbing cold with frostbite potential in the high country, especially in the northern mountains near the Continental Divide, according to the OpenSnow forecasting and reporting service.
    John Meyer, The Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe you’re often stressed about your heavy workload, leading you to be curt and too hyper-focused at work.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Despite, or maybe because of his curt demeanor, Dylan stands as the most honest of the group.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And university leaders fearing government investigations, funding cuts, or punitive endowment taxes crack down on campus protest, remove or demote outspoken professors, and remain silent in the face of growing authoritarianism.
    STEVEN LEVITSKY, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Miami Dolphins have reportedly made their decision on wide receiver Tyreek Hill after weeks of speculation that the organization was looking to trade the outspoken star.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near blunt

Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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