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

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 abrupt In an abrupt U-turn Friday, Han Dong-hoon—head of Yoon’s ruling People Power Party—called for the president to be suspended from office quickly, increasing the chances he’ll be impeached in a vote set to take place over the next few days. —

Chris Morris, Fortune Asia, 6 Dec. 2024 The cause isn’t totally clear, but the main theory is that abrupt changes in hormone levels when a stressful period ends can trigger a migraine attack. —

Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024 That includes the abrupt dismissal of their coach and assistant coach as part of a landmark investigation into harassment and retaliation that shook half the teams in the National Women’s Soccer League. —

Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Nov. 2024 And no rain or abrupt setlist could ruin their mood. —

Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abrupt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abrupt

Adjective

He had been clubbed in the head and the face with a blunt object.

Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 9 Dec. 2024
With slight moderations—longer, blunt bangs and full updo—hairstylist Naphia White used a similar technique.

India Espy-Jones, Essence, 6 Dec. 2024