Definition of concisenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective concise contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of concise are compendious, laconic, pithy, succinct, summary, and terse. While all these words mean "very brief in statement or expression," concise suggests the removal of all that is superfluous or elaborative.

a concise description

When can compendious be used instead of concise?

The meanings of compendious and concise largely overlap; however, compendious applies to what is at once full in scope and brief and concise in treatment.

a compendious dictionary

When could laconic be used to replace concise?

In some situations, the words laconic and concise are roughly equivalent. However, laconic implies brevity to the point of seeming rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

How does the word pithy relate to other synonyms for concise?

Pithy adds to succinct or terse the implication of richness of meaning or substance.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners

When is it sensible to use succinct instead of concise?

The synonyms succinct and concise are sometimes interchangeable, but succinct implies the greatest possible compression.

a succinct letter of resignation

Where would summary be a reasonable alternative to concise?

While in some cases nearly identical to concise, summary suggests the statement of main points with no elaboration or explanation.

a summary listing of the year's main events

When would terse be a good substitute for concise?

While the synonyms terse and concise are close in meaning, terse implies pointed conciseness.

a terse reply

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of concise Fuentes offers a more concise gloss. Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026 Guidance should be timely, concise, and delivered in plain language. Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026 The document was seven pages long, concise compared to his 2018 strategy, at 26 pages, and Biden’s 2023 strategy, at 34 pages. Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 30 Mar. 2026 That role falls to the capsule communicator, or CapCom, who ensures that the crew receives clear and concise communication. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
Adjective
  • The judge considered hundreds of pages of evidence and testimony from San Diego officials, homeowners and their lawyers and determined that the city had not met the burden for what is called summary adjudication in any of the five causes of actions.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Large hail and a brief tornado can’t be ruled out, mainly in eastern Kansas into far northwest Missouri, the weather service said.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • The brief scene required five days of shooting.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The ornate recipes favored by some of Sadboy’s artisan competitors are scrapped in favor of blends that are succinct and evocative.
    Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Sharper rewrites and edits to plot points would have offered a more succinct narrative, allowing the comedic tone to shine through.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on concise

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster