Definition of laconicnext
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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 Dialogue tended to be sparse in those movies, too, because people mistrusted language then, and Reichardt also likes her speeches laconic. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026 Ray is dominant, laconic and emotionally sealed off, yet the performance hinges on suggestion rather than declaration — containing vulnerability without ever surrendering control. Clayton Davis, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026 Keeping time on the group’s moody ballads, Stewart is a steadying force, capably anchoring the sound led by Barry’s laconic vocals and drum teacher Bova’s spiky guitar leads. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2025 Daynard, a laconic sort who wouldn’t order a hot dog without due process, tasked his staff to study the matter closely. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laconic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laconic
Adjective
  • Fuentes offers a more concise gloss.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Guidance should be timely, concise, and delivered in plain language.
    Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Both sides are silent right now, but a release from the WGA and the AMPTP is expected soon(ish).
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But the most impactful force on the court could be the silent, invisible sixth man – the mind gym.
    Haley Sawyer, Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Suggest a timeline that protects quality, confirm roles in writing, and schedule a brief follow-up to keep everyone aligned, whether partnered, solo, or collaborating.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Breaking from a brief decline, jail deaths again rose statewide in 2025.
    Ryan Oehrli April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • And Lorenzen delivering this stink bomb made the 48,366 in attendance feel as dumb as rocks for braving the cold.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Well, dumber isn’t quite right — and is only meant affectionately by Grabinski himself.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • May is the most reserved of the four coaches, but lets his players get emotional on the court without trying to rein them in, trusting them to play under control.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Add American cheese, remaining 1 cup cheddar, and reserved soaking water; stir vigorously until most of the cheese is melted (some small lumps of cheese will remain and that is OK) and water is absorbed.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even within a restrained palette, a strong silhouette can shift the entire room.
    Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Ashe is a rocket ship that can’t be reined in, and watching the restrained, comparably rational Coop try to lasso him is reliably entertaining.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Mueller’s stern visage and taciturn demeanor matched the seriousness of the mission, as his team spent nearly two years quietly conducting one of the most consequential, yet divisive, investigations in Justice Department history.
    Eric Tucker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Think Rambo but even more taciturn.
    Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laconic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laconic. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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