TERSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'terse' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of terse are compendious , concise , laconic , pithy , succinct , and summary . While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," terse implies pointed conciseness. // a terse reply

Q: When is 'compendious' a more appropriate choice than 'terse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to terse , compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. // a compendious dictionary

Q: When could 'concise' be used to replace 'terse'?

The words concise and terse can be used in similar contexts, but concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. // a concise description

Q: When can 'laconic' be used instead of 'terse'?

In some situations, the words laconic and terse are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. // an aloof and laconic stranger

Q: How is 'pithy' related to other words for 'terse'?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance. // a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Q: Where would 'succinct' be a reasonable alternative to 'terse'?

The words succinct and terse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression. // a succinct letter of resignation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'summary' instead of 'terse'?

The meanings of summary and terse largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation. // a summary listing of the year's main events

terse

adjective

ˈtərs

Definition of terse next

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning could tell from his terse replies to my questions that he was in no mood to talk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective terse contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of terse are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, succinct, and summary. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

When is compendious a more appropriate choice than terse?

While in some cases nearly identical to terse, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could concise be used to replace terse?

The words concise and terse can be used in similar contexts, but concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can laconic be used instead of terse?

In some situations, the words laconic and terse are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for terse?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Where would succinct be a reasonable alternative to terse?

The words succinct and terse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When is it sensible to use summary instead of terse?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

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 terse In a terse statement on Monday night, the Southern Baptist Convention's public policy arm announced a sudden, surprising personnel change. —

Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, 23 July 2024 In a terse order, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika terminated all proceedings in the case, citing President Biden’s executive grant of clemency to his son. —

Ella Lee, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024 His records, terse and haunted, picked words and source materials carefully, like time and resources were of the essence. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Dec. 2024 And the generally affable Walz can get defensive and terse when under attack, says Axios Twin Cities' Torey Van Oot, who has covered Walz for years. —

Justin Green, Axios, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terse

Adjective

Effective Communication Effective leadership always involves clear and concise communication.

— Chris Williams, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Asking other people clear, concise questions can show empathy or establish your credibility, communication expert Matt Abrahams told CNBC Make It last year.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025