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
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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
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
Gold derives the bulk of its long-term returns from remarkably brief periods of explosive growth.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
To him, a chatbot that has analyzed zillions of SAT-style questions, legal briefs, and lines of code is not smart so much as well prepared—for the SAT, a law-school exam, advanced coding problems, whatever.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
David Ubben, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Tellingly, however, Harris’ offer to visit Wisconsin was rejected as a potential distraction during early voting, according to people briefed on the discussions.
—New York Times, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brief
Adjective
While the Supreme Court’s order was brief, the Justice Department has argued in court filings that judges do not have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions and that states that sued against the plan lack legal standing.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025
Gold derives the bulk of its long-term returns from remarkably brief periods of explosive growth.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
These cheeky briefs are crafted from a quick-drying fabric that soaks up excess moisture.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025
To him, a chatbot that has analyzed zillions of SAT-style questions, legal briefs, and lines of code is not smart so much as well prepared—for the SAT, a law-school exam, advanced coding problems, whatever.
—Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Tennessee officials were frustrated with the ongoing negotiations, said a source briefed on those conversations, but were hopeful for an amicable resolution.
—David Ubben, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Tellingly, however, Harris’ offer to visit Wisconsin was rejected as a potential distraction during early voting, according to people briefed on the discussions.
—New York Times, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brief
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brief
Adjective
-
Refine your key points to be clear and concise—no rambling monologues.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
As the celebration on the floor dispersed to make way for the second national semifinal, Clayton could be seen greeting every teammate and staffer who offered a handshakes or a hug with a concise message.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
After a short ceremony, the church will open to the public from: Wednesday: 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday: 7 a.m. to midnight Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—
George Petras,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Letters to the editor are usually short and to the point.—
Elizabeth Keifer,
Hartford Courant,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Don’t let the lack of flash fool you — this guy is the real deal.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
The Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2025
-
The German figures come a day before the scheduled release of flash inflation data for the euro area, which will be closely watched by investors for guidance on the odds of another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
30 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
According to summary provided by the House speaker’s office, the bill includes financial support for special education, bilingual education and pre-kindergarten and a $395 increase in the base amount schools get per student, known as the basic allotment.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2025
-
On the order summary page, paste your promo code into the Discount Code or Gift Card box, and click Apply to see your savings.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Dragon is the only currently operational cargo craft with this return-to-Earth capability; the others are designed to burn up in Earth's atmosphere when their missions conclude.—
Mike Wall,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
These types of horrific events by terrorists are why those of us who work for peace and stability in the world continue our mission.—
Danielle Wallace,
FOXNews.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Its measurements of ocean salinity and temperatures inform Navy operations, according to the Council on Strategic Risks, a nonpartisan security policy institute in Washington.—
Abrahm Lustgarten,
ProPublica,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Becky, having seen Darlene and Chad together at the bar, informs Ben about Chad.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The sentencing memorandum, filed in U.S. District Court on April 2 and reviewed by OL, summarizes a massive trafficking network primarily coordinate by Waldrop, who worked with wildlife importers to obtain species from all over the world.—
Natalie Krebs,
Outdoor Life,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Acer Aspire Vero 16 is nothing flashy, but this budget laptop features an Intel AI Boost to streamline your user experience by bringing a digital helper who will answer questions and summarize documents to your fingertips.—
Jade Chung-Lee,
PC Magazine,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Obstetricians say, at the end of the day, AFE is really just a product of bad luck, and there's little that can be done to prevent it.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2025
-
In it is an über-posh upholstered bed—a slightly ironic addition for a professional who seems to leave little time for rest.—
Mel Studach,
Architectural Digest,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brief.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brief. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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