1
a
: sparing of words : terse
wrote curt precise sentences
b
: marked by rude or peremptory (see peremptory sense 3) shortness : brusque
a curt refusal
In a curt voice, he ordered the server to bring him a glass of water.
2
: shortened in linear dimension
curtly adverb
curtness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for curt

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner.

bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

Examples of curt in a Sentence

He gave only a curt reply to the question. she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question
Recent Examples on the Web Synthesizers flash like emergency flares; the drums remain curt and clipped; vocalists trace breathy arcs in the space cleared by the bullish low-end. Elias Leight, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2024 Beckwith made the comments at a Monroe County Republican Party meeting in early October; on Monday, the head of his ticket, gubernatorial nominee and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, gave a curt statement to IndyStar expressing disapproval. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 15 Oct. 2024 Here’s how to counter a less-than-ideal offer and negotiate for a higher wage: Watch your tone Negotiations are fraught with emotion; offering a curt response or exasperated sigh could kill the discussion, fast. Morgan Smith, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024 Brittany Cartwright has a curt response to her estranged husband Jax Taylor's errors in his recent response to her divorce filing. Esther Kang, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curt 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of curt was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near curt

Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curt. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

curt

adjective
: rudely abrupt or brief in speech
a curt reply
curtly adverb
curtness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on curt

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