Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

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

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

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

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 succinct?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct 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 succinct The textured outerwear in addition to the succinct pairing of deep brown with blush pink was aesthetically pleasing, a deep maroon hue and cherry red were even utilized in compelling ways. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 Sep. 2024 These presentations often include succinct summaries of your key business functions. Victoria Zelefsky, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 The portion of her answer on 60 Minutes was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide ranging 21-minute-long segment. CBS News, 31 Oct. 2024 A week out from the election, the event mostly steered clear of politics, although Aubrey Plaza took the opportunity to rebuke comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent Puerto Rico joke from Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally this past weekend with a direct, and succinct, expletive. Kristen Tauer, WWD, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for succinct 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
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
Adjective
  • Anticipation without hesitation seems to be the style on view in my limited demo, yet there are still plenty of other examples in WIRED's brief ride.
    Ben Oliver, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Already a fan favorite, the song—widely believed to be inspired by her brief relationship with Jake Gylenhaal—was re-released as a 10-minute epic in 2021, alongside a short film, starring Sadie Sink and Dylan O’Brien, directed by Swift herself.
    Lolita Mang, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024
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

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near succinct

Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on succinct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!