terse

adjective

Pronunciation: /tɜːrs/

Definition

Using very few words in a way that can seem unfriendly or impatient.

Examples

• She sent a terse email rejecting the proposal without further explanation.

• His terse reply made it clear that he did not want to continue the conversation.

• The manager's terse instructions left the team feeling confused and slightly offended.

Synonyms of terse

Words with a similar meaning to terse:

• brief
• short
• concise
• curt
• laconic

Antonyms of terse

Words with the opposite meaning to terse:

• verbose
• long-winded

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