Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective compendious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of compendious are concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

In what contexts can concise take the place of compendious?

The words concise and compendious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than compendious?

The synonyms laconic and compendious are sometimes interchangeable, but laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for compendious?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is succinct a more appropriate choice than compendious?

In some situations, the words succinct and compendious are roughly equivalent. However, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of compendious?

The meanings of summary and compendious largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When is it sensible to use terse instead of compendious?

Although the words terse and compendious have much in common, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 compendious The curious thing about this compendious, scrupulously researched biography, so rich in basketball and cultural lore, is that the best parts are not about basketball at all. Thomas Beller, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2023 Although employment has begun to recover, the need to create jobs has prompted several Indian states to suspend many of the country’s compendious labour regulations. The Economist, 27 June 2020 Another documents the founding in 1974 — by Joan Nestle, Deborah Edel, Sahli Cavallaro, Pamela Olin and Julia Stanley — of a compendious and still-growing register of lesbian culture called the Herstory Archives. Julianne McShane, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2019 Nonetheless, astronomers and astrophysicists came together to write a single compendious paper about the event. Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, 16 Oct. 2017 Each event centered on performances of a supreme, compendious Bach masterpiece. James R. Oestreich, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compendious
Adjective
  • Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits will help attract and retain talent.
    Anthony Milewski, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • For a more comprehensive camouflage, a dye will seal the deal.
    Deanna Pai, Allure, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • During the hearing, Lutnick gave short and concise answers.
    Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Huo’s project is to portray these social relations and material disparities with crispness, therefore the image is sharp, and though expansive, also concise.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.
    Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2025
  • After a thorough makeover and the construction of seven new hotel rooms, The Viewpoint reopened in 2023.
    Marquita K. Harris, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The first Elam ending finish was great, giving us a dramatic (and brief) fix to the All-Star Game’s erosion.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The scripted description of the library was very brief, with just one interesting detail — during installation, the new shelves opened up, like a flower.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The same scenario occurred in February 2021, when Democrats had full control of Congress and the presidency.
    Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The Knicks’ ironman has dealt with right knee swelling at multiple points this season, making his absence noteworthy—especially after a full week off for the break.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sure enough, the summary destruction of that lonely Russian tank became fodder for the Phoenix drone group’s social media team.
    David Axe, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • It was delivered to the Task Force five days past the deadline, and contained less than four and half pages, more than half of which consisted of summary narratives.
    Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In our conversation, Onah pushed back on reports of extensive reshoots impacting his vision.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025
  • The police barricades and street closings appeared to be as extensive as those for the annual tree lighting on the same spot every holiday season.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Amenities include the Secret Garden Spa, known for its holistic treatments, and the Koh Thai Kitchen & Bar, which offers authentic Thai cuisine with panoramic ocean views.
    Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The resort has 12 ridge-top suites providing a panoramic view of the Atlantic, 12 beachfront villas and 11 private secluded villas on the resort grounds.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compendious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compendious. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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