1
as in concise
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning
a brief but crucial admonition to keep quiet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in short
not lasting for a considerable time
fortunately, the meeting was brief
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in flash
lasting only for a short time
a brief flash of light
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points
a one-page brief of the intelligence report
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mission
a specific task with which a person or group is charged
the soldiers' brief was to secure the village from enemy attacks
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to inform
to give information to
the lieutenant briefed his superior officers on the state of the enemy's fortifications
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to summarize
to make into a short statement of the main points (as of a report)
his duties include briefing intelligence reports for the president
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brief
Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
During her brief tenure, Gabbard had been a controversial director.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 17 June 2026
Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
The messaging sounded on-brief.
—Robert Burko, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Trump must brief Congress and the public on the details of his understanding with Iran immediately and end this war once and for all.
—Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Adjective
Mangione, who sat in between his lawyers and wore a dark blue suit, was quiet throughout the brief hearing and held a folder up in front of his face for most of the time photographers were allowed to take pictures.
—Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
During her brief tenure, Gabbard had been a controversial director.
—Eric McDaniel, NPR, 17 June 2026
Noun
The brief isn’t about access alone anymore.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 12 June 2026
The messaging sounded on-brief.
—Robert Burko, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Verb
More suspects are believed to be involved, a federal law enforcement official briefed on the matter told USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Trump must brief Congress and the public on the details of his understanding with Iran immediately and end this war once and for all.
—Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brief
Adjective
-
Draft a concise proposal and set measurable checkpoints for a decision‑maker, because clear milestones help busy people say yes without extra clarification.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Get concise answers to your questions.—
Dan Diamond,
Washington Post,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Anyone hoping to see intricate short passing has been sorely disappointed thus far.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
-
An affordable wellness retreat typically falls in the budget-to-mid-range tier, roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for a week-long stay, or under $500 per night for shorter trips.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
In fact, the weather service said that more than 50% of flash-flood deaths happen in vehicles driven into floodwaters.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
-
Don’t miss Alcopop’s Black Mango Watermelon, Seongju Chamoe and Watermelon Ice Pop; Matcha Latte, with flash-frozen local herbs and a hand-cut ice diamond; and Journey, a concoction that maps a tomato’s global odyssey.—
Melinda Sheckells,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Chapter 101 of Florida Statutes limits a ballot summary to 75 words.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2026
-
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
These individuals are deeply collaborative, mission-driven and eager to innovate at the intersections of disciplines.—
Rachel Nuwer,
Scientific American,
16 June 2026
-
It was used in bombing missions during the current conflict between the US and Iran.—
Lauren Mascarenhas,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
But another four or five weeks of games can inform Weiss and Anthopoulos’ own answer.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
16 June 2026
-
McGregor Scott, Williamson’s attorney, said he had not been informed of any other investigations involving his client.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
The insoluble character of Alfa’s best records is reflected in his biography, which is difficult to neatly summarize.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
16 June 2026
-
The last 11 years -- from 2015 to 2025 -- have been the hottest on record, according to scientific data from NOAA and the Copernicus Climate Change Service and summarized in a report released earlier this year by the World Meteorological Organization.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sandia Mountain, the aerial tramway to the peak, the fancy resort and casino, but don’t sleep on little Pueblo of Isleta south of town.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
For all of its massive successes, and for all of the fame, money, and love generated by this Broadway juggernaut, 125 years later the biggest lasting impact of Florodora is this spicy and fruity little cocktail, created for one particular girl in a particularly imperious mood.—
Jason O'Bryan,
Robb Report,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brief. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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