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
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.
Text generators tend to write long, even when the prompt is curt. Victoria Turk, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025 If something bothers you, have the conversation before your body language starts speaking for you through a curt tone, closed posture or disengagement. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 The sixth song on Beyoncé’s eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, is a curt history lesson nestled in a massive song cycle with an undeniable rallying cry. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025 There was also his curt response to a strange controversy over his decision not to include an image of Armstrong planting the American flag on the moon. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curt

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curt. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

curt

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

More from Merriam-Webster on curt

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