1
a
: 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
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 Joy Randolph and newcomer Dominic Sessa prop up Paul Giamatti’s outstanding performance as the curmudgeonly curt prep school professor who’s forced to stay on campus with a handful of students throughout the Christmas break. Alli Rosenbloom, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 Be concise, but don’t be so short you’re perceived as curt. Tracy Brower, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 News of his death flooded across Russian Telegram news channels and was confirmed in a curt announcement by prison authorities, prompting the U.N. Human Rights Office to call for an independent investigation. Mary Ilyushina, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Her physical poise and frequently curt tones conveying Sandra’s intellect and confidence, Salter also illuminates the professor’s bafflement at being misunderstood. Celia Wren, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2023 Immigration changes will be part of military aid package for Israel and Ukraine: Lankford Lankford was curt when asked if the Ukrainian president could say anything that would weaken his resolve. Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 5 Dec. 2023 The actor, one of my lifelong favorites, has a lurid, suggestive smile, curt at the edges, and eyes that shine with hidden information. Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023 The episode ended with a curt conversation between the pair, which appeared to surface some of the challenges that have led to their separation, news of which PEOPLE exclusively broke back in July. Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Oct. 2023 In the pandemic’s turbulent early days, around 70,000 tech workers lost jobs, often with little more than a curt farewell. Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'curt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin curtus mutilated, curtailed — more at shear

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of curt was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near curt

Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curt. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

curt

adjective
: rudely abrupt or brief in speech
a curt reply
curtly adverb
curtness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on curt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!