ABRUPT Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abrupt' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous , sheer , and steep . While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level. // a beach with an abrupt drop-off

Q: When could 'precipitous' be used to replace 'abrupt'?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical. // the river winds through a precipitous gorge

Q: When is 'sheer' a more appropriate choice than 'abrupt'?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse. // sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

Q: When would 'steep' be a good substitute for 'abrupt'?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult. // a steep hill // a steep dive

abrupt

adjective

ə-ˈbrəpt

Definition of abrupt next

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner the policeman's abrupt manner discouraged me from trying to claim that I hadn't seen the red light

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in steep

having an incline approaching the perpendicular the gentle, rolling hills gradually give way to high mountains with abrupt sides

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sudden

not expected his abrupt reappearance seems to have caught everyone off guard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abrupt different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of abrupt are precipitous, sheer, and steep. While all these words mean "having an incline approaching the perpendicular," abrupt implies a sharper pitch and a sudden break in the level.

a beach with an abrupt drop-off

When could precipitous be used to replace abrupt?

The words precipitous and abrupt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, precipitous applies to an incline approaching the vertical.

the river winds through a precipitous gorge

When is sheer a more appropriate choice than abrupt?

The words sheer and abrupt can be used in similar contexts, but sheer suggests an unbroken perpendicular expanse.

sheer cliffs that daunted the climbers

When would steep be a good substitute for abrupt?

The synonyms steep and abrupt are sometimes interchangeable, but steep implies such sharpness of pitch that ascent or descent is very difficult.

a steep hill

a steep dive

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 abrupt That's after Auchincloss, who took over as CEO in 2024 following the abrupt departure of his predecessor Bernard Looney, announced his intentions to simplify BP'sbusiness and institute stringent cost reductions. —

Gaurav Sharma, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 After two wet winters fueled the growth of grasses and brush — ideal kindling for fires — across SoCal mountains and hillsides, the last few months saw an abrupt shift to record-dry conditions. —

Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Perhaps the most abrupt shift along those lines comes from Frontier Airlines (ULCC-1.92%). —

Melvin Backman, Quartz, 8 Jan. 2025 Kimbell’s abrupt retirement was greeted positively by investors, who sent shares of Ulta up 3.9 percent to $448 in after-hours trading on Monday. —

Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for abrupt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrupt

Adjective

While tariffs offer a quick, broad response to unfair trade practices, they're often criticized as too blunt an instrument.

— Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Officers found Mary Ogle dead inside the house with apparent blunt force trauma, police said.

— Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025