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
Synonyms of curt
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
After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.
—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.
—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
Our separation would need to be curt and the novel did it.
—
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
When a curt email arrives with no greeting, your body might tighten in defense—a sense of threat or dismissal emerges.
—
James Davis,
Forbes.com,
10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curt
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Law Murray,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.
—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2026
Our separation would need to be curt and the novel did it.
—
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
When a curt email arrives with no greeting, your body might tighten in defense—a sense of threat or dismissal emerges.
—
James Davis,
Forbes.com,
10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for curt
Cite this Entry
“Curt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curt. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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