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
Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Those planning to watch should keep their eyes on the sky shortly after launch for a brief chance to spot it.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The request came in a 22-page brief filed Friday by lawyers from the attorney general’s office.
—Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Money, 25 Mar. 2026
As members of Biden’s team briefed the incoming secretary of state on the agreement, most expected the zealous Republican to squash the deal as too soft on Cuba’s authoritarian government, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Adjective
While there was brief discussion on the play at the combine by the competition committee, the fairness of the play was not debated at the league meeting this week.
—Nick Harris
april 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Those planning to watch should keep their eyes on the sky shortly after launch for a brief chance to spot it.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel collaborated with Wisconsin Watch to develop this fact brief.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The request came in a 22-page brief filed Friday by lawyers from the attorney general’s office.
—Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
According to the second Israeli source, Netanyahu was briefed and updated on a 15-point proposal recently passed by the US to Iran aimed at ending the conflict.
—Ariel Edwards-Levy, CNN Money, 25 Mar. 2026
As members of Biden’s team briefed the incoming secretary of state on the agreement, most expected the zealous Republican to squash the deal as too soft on Cuba’s authoritarian government, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brief
Adjective
-
The notes for his speech offer a concise distillation of what makes Louisville special.—
Adam Sachs,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
-
That role falls to the capsule communicator, or CapCom, who ensures that the crew receives clear and concise communication.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi Even if not a huge art buff, take the five minutes to wander to the Contarelli chapel inside this small catholic church which is just a short stroll from the Pantheon.—
CNT Editors,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That’s why Mack is reluctant to hazard a guess as to how many more wins this could mean this season for the Royals, who are seeking to get back to the postseason after falling short last year in the wake of their 2024 breakthrough.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The heaviest rain has shifted eastward, with the island of Molokai under a flash-flood warning on Sunday.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Kansas City will go from springlike warmth to winter fast as a powerful storm sweeps through Sunday, bringing damaging winds, a rapid temperature plunge with flash-freeze risk, and a quick burst of snow that could cut visibility, according to the National Weather Service.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The general format for interviews, subject to change, is to have each candidate make a three-minute introduction, answer brief questions from council members, then deliver a one-minute summary.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
With respect to Google, the suit says the company’s core search engine and its artificial intelligence summary feature called AI mode were responsible for publishing victims’ personal information.—
Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
An administrative review is underway to assess the mission and verify compliance with regulations and airspace requirements.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
At my direction, Kim expanded HCPF's mission to save Coloradans money on health care.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Its founding principles—informed by an environmentally-conscious ethos and values which ‘protect the islands, support local communities, and do business in a…fair and future-focused way,’ says Dixon—mirrored those at Nikoi, and still hold strong today.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
These experiences eventually informed the vision behind The Tagline Group.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Here’s the five-day forecast for Broward and Palm Beach counties, summarized by AI based on information from the National Weather Service.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The state requires cities to submit an annual report summarizing progress on implementing the city’s general plan and reports on housing production, stated a report from Planning Manager Chris Dominguez.—
Jim Drummond,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Residents in the San Gabriel Valley are contending with a dramatic surge in black flies, a painful little pest known for biting around the eyes and necks of people and pets.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Plus, little baby leaves are thinner.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brief. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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