TERSE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of terse are compendious , concise , laconic , pithy , succinct , and summary . While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," terse implies pointed conciseness. // a terse reply

Q: When is 'compendious' a more appropriate choice than 'terse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to terse , compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. // a compendious dictionary

Q: When could 'concise' be used to replace 'terse'?

The words concise and terse can be used in similar contexts, but concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. // a concise description

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

In some situations, the words laconic and terse are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. // an aloof and laconic stranger

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

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

Q: Where would 'succinct' be a reasonable alternative to 'terse'?

The words succinct and terse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression. // a succinct letter of resignation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'summary' instead of 'terse'?

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

terse

adjective

ˈtərs

Definition of terse next

as in concise

marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning could tell from his terse replies to my questions that he was in no mood to talk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective terse contrast with its synonyms?

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

a terse reply

When is compendious a more appropriate choice than terse?

While in some cases nearly identical to terse, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could concise be used to replace terse?

The words concise and terse can be used in similar contexts, but concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can laconic be used instead of terse?

In some situations, the words laconic and terse are roughly equivalent. However, 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 terse?

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

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

Where would succinct be a reasonable alternative to terse?

The words succinct and terse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

When is it sensible to use summary instead of terse?

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

a summary listing of the year's main events

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 terse The closing exchange was a terse end to what had been a cordial debate. —

James Powel, USA TODAY, 2 Oct. 2024 The Alaska Cocktail pops into existence in a terse little cocktail book from 1913 called Manual of Mixed Drinks, by Jacques Straub. —

Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2024 In the end, her terse last word on the show was in keeping with her public persona. —

Michelle Tauber, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2024 In a terse order, the court refused to overturn an earlier ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals. —

Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terse

Adjective

Preferring fast-moving social media like TikTok, this generation is used to absorbing fast and concise information.

Boris Abaev, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
And, indeed, the lyrics to the two-tone takedown are precise and concise.

Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 31 Oct. 2024