Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective succinct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of succinct are compendious, concise, laconic, pithy, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would compendious be a reasonable alternative to succinct?

The meanings of compendious and succinct largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When is it sensible to use concise instead of succinct?

In some situations, the words concise and succinct are roughly equivalent. However, concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When might laconic be a better fit than succinct?

The words laconic and succinct are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How is pithy related to other words for succinct?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When could summary be used to replace succinct?

While in some cases nearly identical to succinct, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When can terse be used instead of succinct?

While the synonyms terse and succinct are close in meaning, 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 succinct That organizational defiance of a league-wide trend, expressed in succinct but undeniably contrarian terms by general manager Calvin Booth two months ago, actually hasn’t swallowed their season whole. Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2024 Speaking on behalf of the Mercosur nations, President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou was more restrained and succinct. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 6 Dec. 2024 Reed makes Daisy feel special, teasing an exciting life filled with danger and offering succinct praise framed as keen insights. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024 The interview was edited to include a more succinct answer that Harris gave later in the conversation—a routine practice in TV production. Alena Botros, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for succinct 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for succinct
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
Adjective
  • Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes on the 12 casks.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • But while the country is entering a brief period of limbo, one thing is all but certain.
    David Moscrop, TIME, 12 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • It was delivered to the Task Force five days past the deadline, and contained less than four and half pages, more than half of which consisted of summary narratives.
    Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The hermit kingdom is known for summary executions, abducting foreign citizens, and for hacking entertainment giant Sony.
    Sarah E. Mendelson, Foreign Affairs, 28 May 2015

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Thesaurus Entries Near succinct

Cite this Entry

“Succinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/succinct. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on succinct

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