LACONIC Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'laconic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious , concise , pithy , succinct , summary , and terse . While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. // an aloof and laconic stranger

Q: Where would 'compendious' be a reasonable alternative to 'laconic'?

Although the words compendious and laconic have much in common, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. // a compendious dictionary

Q: When is 'concise' a more appropriate choice than 'laconic'?

The words concise and laconic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. // a concise description

Q: How is 'pithy' related to other words for 'laconic'?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance. // a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Q: When might 'succinct' be a better fit than 'laconic'?

The synonyms succinct and laconic are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression. // a succinct letter of resignation

Q: When can 'summary' be used instead of 'laconic'?

The meanings of summary and laconic largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation. // a summary listing of the year's main events

Q: In what contexts can 'terse' take the place of 'laconic'?

While in some cases nearly identical to laconic , terse implies pointed conciseness. // a terse reply

laconic

adjective

lə-ˈkä-nik

Definition of laconic next

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning the sportscaster's color commentary tends to be laconic but very much to the point

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in silent

tending not to speak frequently (as by habit or inclination) laconic by nature, he sat back and enjoyed hearing stories from the more loquacious dinner guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective laconic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of laconic are compendious, concise, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to laconic?

Although the words compendious and laconic have much in common, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is concise a more appropriate choice than laconic?

The words concise and laconic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

How is pithy related to other words for laconic?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When might succinct be a better fit than laconic?

The synonyms succinct and laconic are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When can summary be used instead of laconic?

The meanings of summary and laconic largely overlap; however, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

In what contexts can terse take the place of laconic?

While in some cases nearly identical to laconic, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

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 laconic Snoop commandeers the hook with a melodicism that blends effortlessly with Sting’s croons, then switches over to his signature, laconic flow before passing the baton to his costar who closes out the high-powered collaboration. —

Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 6 Dec. 2024 During that time, the laconic Puddy began dating Seinfeld's friend Elaine, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. —

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024 Trump cannot stop talking, especially about himself; Australians are laconic and taciturn. —

Michael Fullilove, Foreign Affairs, 15 Aug. 2017 Watch on Deadline Moderator Dennis Lim, the fest’s artistic director, assured him that laughter had come freely and often during the film, which is hardly a comedy but displays Cronenberg’s laconic sensibility in many scenes. —

Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for laconic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laconic

Adjective

Effective Communication Effective leadership always involves clear and concise communication.

— Chris Williams, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Asking other people clear, concise questions can show empathy or establish your credibility, communication expert Matt Abrahams told CNBC Make It last year.

— Megan Sauer, CNBC, 13 Jan. 2025