LACONIC Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

laconic

adjective

lə-ˈkä-nik

Definition of laconic next

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning the sportscaster's color commentary tends to be laconic but very much to the point

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) laconic by nature, he sat back and enjoyed hearing stories from the more loquacious dinner guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 laconic James portrays Terry’s descent into dependency with a laconic efficiency, which initially serves the narrative’s slow-burn pace. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Sep. 2024 Given the laconic director’s enduring appeal among art house buyers and the film’s all-star cast, there’s certain to be a run on Jarmusch’s first feature since 2019’s The Dead Don’t Die. —

Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Sep. 2024 Vinny arrives with his strong-willed, sarcastic girlfriend Mona Lisa (Marisa Tomei), and the culture clash between the back-talking Italian Americans and the laconic Southern trial judge puts the defendants at risk. —

Danny Horn, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2024 Eastwood's antihero set a template for laconic dudes to follow, from Boba Fett to the Ghoul. 47. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for laconic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laconic

Adjective

Anika Dhar My opening note at final Tribal will be clear and concise.

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024
Families can type or speak questions into a chat box, and Allison responds immediately with concise, reliable answers.

Carolyn Rosenblatt, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024