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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laconic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious, concise, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to laconic?

Although the words compendious and laconic have much in common, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is concise a more appropriate choice than laconic?

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

a concise description

How is pithy related to other words for laconic?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When might succinct be a better fit than laconic?

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

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of laconic?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

In what contexts can terse take the place of laconic?

While in some cases nearly identical to laconic, 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 laconic Serving as an introduction to an engaging new artistic voice, the film captures a certain laconic, free-floating malaise and anxiety that are indicative of an emergent generational sensibility. Vanessa Franko, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Copied Share Russia's economic situation 'stable' despite high inflation, Putin says NBC News When asked how Russia's economy remains afloat, Putin gives a characteristically laconic response. NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024 But Snoop Dogg the MC, the laconic voice who defined West Coast gangsta rap in the ’90s, never left us. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 Craig revealed that Guadagnino’s tweaks steered him away from attempting to channel the writer’s famous laconic drawl. Damon Wise, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for laconic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laconic
Adjective
  • His words articulated a feeling many football fans have felt in a concise and beautiful way.
    Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Now, the need to articulate our thoughts with precision compels us to deconstruct complex ideas, identify underlying assumptions, and formulate straightforward, concise questions.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After several minutes the second officer came and, again, Pike kept silent.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The event will also include silent and live auctions, delicious food and drink, and joyous community, according to a news release.
    Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The tour through Rome’s historic center came after Francis made his first appearance in five weeks to give a thumbs-up and brief blessing from a hospital balcony.
    Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In addition to her recurring role on Melrose Place as antagonistic neurosurgeon Dr. Irene Shulman, Young has guest starred on Bones, This Is Us, and made a brief appearance in the Marvel superhero threequel Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).
    Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As a gesture of its deep appreciation, any active duty, retired, or reserved members can enjoy an exclusive 10% military discount off their orders.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Photos from the night depict the reserved legend seemingly trying to disassociate from his surroundings.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ukraine is investigating more than 150,000 possible war crimes committed by Russia, including the summary execution of prisoners and targeted aerial strikes against civilians.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • He is accused of acting as the de facto leader of the Davao Death Squad, a group that was responsible for summary executions and the murder or disappearance of more than 1,000 people in and around the city.
    Lisandro Claudio, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • This production, which was more on the restrained side, was directed by Jose Maria Condemi.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The Honduran government has asked the U.S. to release the restrained deportees once the planes enter Honduran airspace, Paz said.
    Ronny Rojas, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • After all, it’s been days since she’s had a morsel, and she’s got a taciturn little lion hunter in the oven!
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 23 Mar. 2025
  • There’s the driver (Mitchell Cole), a taciturn dude with a thick Southern accent who spent some time in the military.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Laconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laconic. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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