BRUSQUE Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'brusque' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff , blunt , crusty , curt , and gruff . While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. // a brusque response

Q: In what contexts can 'bluff' take the place of 'brusque'?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. // a bluff manner

Q: When might 'blunt' be a better fit than 'brusque'?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque , blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. // a blunt appraisal

Q: Where would 'crusty' be a reasonable alternative to 'brusque'?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. // a crusty exterior

Q: When could 'curt' be used to replace 'brusque'?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. // a curt command

Q: When is 'gruff' a more appropriate choice than 'brusque'?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. // puts on a gruff pose

brusque

adjective

ˈbrəsk

variants also brusk

Definition of brusque next

as in abrupt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner a brusque and unhelpful reply from the clerk in the hardware store

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brusque distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff, blunt, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can bluff take the place of brusque?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When might blunt be a better fit than brusque?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

Where would crusty be a reasonable alternative to brusque?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When could curt be used to replace brusque?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When is gruff a more appropriate choice than brusque?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, 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 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 brusque Despite Brendan Mills’ (Quickening) competent and assured editing, the doc can feel brusque at times. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 This, a brusque opening credit tells us, can take up to a year, but the truth is that the process can go on much, much longer. —

Damon Wise, Deadline, 2 July 2024 That framing came in large part thanks to Charlize Theron’s Furiosa, a brusque but compassionate hero drawn in the tradition of Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor. —

Aja Romano, Vox, 24 May 2024 Tierney is radiant as the titular widow who finally finds some self-confidence after her husband’s death, while Harrison is endearing as the brusque and coarse sea captain. —

Nathan Smith, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for brusque

Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque

Adjective

The day before Election Day, however, the Washoe County elections office showed no sign of its challenges, which include a complete staff turnover since 2020, and more recently, the abrupt departure of the interim registrar who said she was forced out by county officials in September.

Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024
News of Yellowstone's abrupt conclusion broke in May 2023, after weeks of reports of creative differences between Costner and Sheridan.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024