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curt

adjective
\ ˈkərt How to pronounce curt (audio) \

Definition of curt

1a : sparing of words : terse wrote curt precise sentences
b : marked by rude or peremptory (see peremptory sense 3) shortness : brusque a curt refusal In a curt voice, he ordered the server to bring him a glass of water.
2 : shortened in linear dimension
Other Words from curt Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about curt

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Other Words from curt

curtly adverb
curtness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for curt

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. a bluff manner blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. a blunt appraisal brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. a brusque response curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. a curt command crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. a crusty exterior 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 of curt in a Sentence

He gave only a curt reply to the question. she was offended by the curt reply to her well-meaning question

Recent Examples on the Web

 For its part, the Greenland government was understandably curt in its response: Because Mr. Art Of The Deal is the one floating at the center of this massively inane proposal, there is a bit of innate humor baked into the story. — Nick Martin, The New Republic, "The Colonizers Have Turned Their Eyes to Greenland," 16 Aug. 2019 Despite the curt delivery, Cowell’s notes were right on. — Matt Wake | [email protected], al.com, "Watch Alabama singer win over Simon Cowell," 27 June 2019 Former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson put an end to her public spat with her estranged husband on Twitter in a curt and somewhat vulgar way. — Tyler Mccarthy, Fox News, "Kendra Wilkinson shares vulgar explanation for live tweeting a fight with her estranged husband," 6 June 2018 Speaking while driving from rehearsal in New York City and with a packed schedule for Pride Month, Rippon is typically succinct in his answers -- never curt, just to the point. — Katherine Fitzgerald, azcentral, "Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon to headline Mercury's Pride Night," 15 June 2018 Their approach was direct and curt, no frills— not self-consciously art-directed no frills, but Old Country, 19th-century no frills. — New York Times, "New Yorkers and Their ’80s Routines — Block by Block," 17 Apr. 2018 At the Geneva car show in March, the silver-haired Mueller gave only curt answers to reporters’ questions before making a quick exit. — Chris Reiter, Bloomberg.com, "VW’s Diess Goes From Lame Duck to Top Dog in Two Years," 11 Apr. 2018 Today, though, Hollywood glamor was a world away as Delvy entered the courtroom with a curt glance at the spectators before turning her back and taking a seat. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "On The Scene At Anna Delvey's First Hearing As The Notorious Soho Grifter," 5 June 2018 Sinema walked on stage at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine in Phoenix and received a curt handshake from McSally. — Ronald J. Hansen, azcentral, "Martha McSally heads opioid hearing in Phoenix; Kyrsten Sinema leaves it early," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'curt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of curt

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for curt

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

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More Definitions for curt

curt

adjective
How to pronounce curt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of curt

: said or done in a quick and impolite way

See the full definition for curt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

curt

adjective
\ ˈkərt How to pronounce curt (audio) \
curter; curtest

Kids Definition of curt

: rudely brief in language a curt answer

Other Words from curt

curtly adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on curt

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with curt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for curt

Spanish Central: Translation of curt

Nglish: Translation of curt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of curt for Arabic Speakers

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