curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

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

Synonyms

• abrupt
• bluff
• blunt
• brusque
• brusk
• crusty
• downright
• short
• short-spoken
• snippy
• unceremonious

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

But the crime scene is swiftly wiped clean, her body removed to avert suspicion and her phone sending curt messages about returning to Los Angeles for a job. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

curt

adjective

ˈkərt 

: rudely abrupt or brief in speech

a curt reply

curtly adverb

curtness noun