Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective concise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can compendious be used instead of concise?

The meanings of compendious and concise largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could laconic be used to replace concise?

In some situations, the words laconic and concise are roughly equivalent. However, 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 concise?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of concise?

The synonyms succinct and concise are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would summary be a reasonable alternative to concise?

While in some cases nearly identical to concise, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would terse be a good substitute for concise?

While the synonyms terse and concise are close in meaning, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

Examples 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 concise His legacy will mean concise writing, concise presentation, and a calm demeanor in the face of crisis. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 List your top three specific questions in a potential interview, based on my background, and offer concise elevator-pitch style answers to each. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Moran’s concise history of postpartum illness charts the decades-long effort by activists, doctors, and psychiatrists to define and legitimatize the struggles many women face after giving birth. The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024 General Tso’s chicken wings, kung pao chicken and of course, Peking duck (during soft-opening until 2025, $45 for half, $88 whole), highlight the concise menu. Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for concise 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
Adjective
  • 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
  • The hermit kingdom is known for summary executions, abducting foreign citizens, and for hacking entertainment giant Sony.
    Sarah E. Mendelson, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2015
Adjective
  • Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes on the 12 casks.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • But while the country is entering a brief period of limbo, one thing is all but certain.
    David Moscrop, TIME, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Nikki Glaser delivering the most succinct and accurate review of Babygirl.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Denny Hamlin quickly celebrated the ruling with an enthusiastic and succinct social media post.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near concise

Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on concise

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