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succinct

adjective
suc·​cinct | \ (ˌ)sək-ˈsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce succinct (audio) , sə-ˈsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce succinct (audio) \

Definition of succinct

1 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words a succinct description

2 archaic

a : being girded
b : close-fitting
Other Words from succinct Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym A Succinct History of Succinct More Example Sentences Learn More about succinct

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Other Words from succinct

succinctly \ (ˌ)sək-​ˈsiŋ(k)t-​lē How to pronounce succinctly (audio) , -​ˈsiŋ-​klē , sə-​ \ adverb
succinctness \ (ˌ)sək-​ˈsiŋt-​nəs How to pronounce succinctness (audio) , -​ˈsiŋk-​nəs , sə-​ \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for succinct

concise, terse, succinct, laconic, summary, pithy, compendious mean very brief in statement or expression. concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative. a concise description terse implies pointed conciseness. a terse reply succinct implies the greatest possible compression. a succinct letter of resignation laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious. an aloof and laconic stranger summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation. a summary listing of the year's main events pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance. a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment. a compendious dictionary

A Succinct History of Succinct

The history of "succinct" might not be short, but it's a cinch to remember. "Succinct" traces to the Latin verb succingere ("to gird about"), which comes from "cingere" ("to gird"), the word that gave us "cincture" and "cinch." The earliest uses of succinct meant "confined" or "girded up," and, as such, it was often used in reference to garments encircled by a band. Eventually, "succinct" was extended to the realm of insects, where it meant "supported by a band of silk around the middle" (as in "the succinct pupa of a butterfly"). Later, the word was applied to writings. A "succinct" piece of writing is "compressed" or "compact" and uses as few words as possible.

Examples of succinct in a Sentence

Other experts are in the business of selling their research. Alan Greenspan made his reputation and career as a partner of Townsend-Greenspan, whose clients were a who's who of old Wall Street. Successful research firms can command substantial fees, and buyers demand clear, succinct and unequivocal analysis and predictions. — Zachary Karabell, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2009 As Esther Benbassa recounts in her dry but impressively succinct and informative history, they arrived in the Roman province of Gaul in the first centuries of the common era, and soon found themselves trod underfoot by the ascendant Christian church. — David A. Bell, New Republic, 28 Feb. 2000 In his first work of popular science, English theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking proves himself to be a master of vivid clarity. His title, " A Brief History of Time," is understated even by British standards; in 198 pages Hawking manages no less than a succinct history of cosmology, a concise explanation of general relativity and its intersection with quantum mechanics … — Richard Rhodes, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 1988 He gave a succinct overview of the expansion project. a pocket guide that provides succinct explanations for rules of grammar and punctuation
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Tobi Haslett’s succinct, stylish, and intelligent essay on Puryear, Jefferson, and revolution at the end of the catalogue suggests a thematic focus the show needs. — Brian T. Allen, National Review, "The American Pavilion in the Venice Biennale: Safe and Sorry," 10 Aug. 2019 The food menu is succinct, yet covers a lot of ground with tacos, burrito bowls and burgers as well as more formal grill items such as chops, steak and fish. — Nancy Ngo, Twin Cities, "Lolito brings unique Latin American flavors to Stillwater," 19 June 2019 Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. — Laura Hancock, cleveland.com, "Massive ad buy underway to thwart HB 6 referendum: Capitol Letter," 27 Aug. 2019 The bar food menu, designed by co-owner (and Kaplan’s life partner) Charles Namba, has a dozen succinct choices. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: Los Angeles, this should be your sake spot," 22 Aug. 2019 Here are some hints: ● Use succinct, straightforward language. — Heloise, Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Will the computer pick you?," 20 Aug. 2019 The succinct drink list presents seven wines by the glass and four beers (two lagers, two pale ales) that match the food’s sunny disposition. — Los Angeles Times, "Silver Lake’s Ceviche Project is a restaurant made for summertime," 8 Aug. 2019 Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. — Laura Hancock, cleveland.com, "DeWine vetoes health care price ‘transparency’ items in budget: Capitol Letter," 19 July 2019 Being succinct without being funny often produces the effect of merely being mean. — Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, "The Art of Aphorism," 15 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'succinct.' 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 succinct

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for succinct

Middle English, from Latin succinctus having one's clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise, from sub- + cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird — more at cincture

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More Definitions for succinct

succinct

adjective
How to pronounce succinct (audio) How to pronounce succinct (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of succinct

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