blunt 1 of 2

adjective

ˈblənt How to pronounce blunt (audio)
Definition of bluntnext
1
as in abrupt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner he values honesty and is quite blunt about telling people what he doesn't like about them

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blunted
lacking sharpness of edge or point a blunt knife won't open that package

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

blunt

2 of 2

verb

as in to dull
to reduce or weaken in strength or feeling the mushy music blunted the effect of the movie's final tragic scene

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word blunt distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of blunt are bluff, brusque, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

When would bluff be a good substitute for blunt?

The words bluff and blunt can be used in similar contexts, but bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When is brusque a more appropriate choice than blunt?

The words brusque and blunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

When might crusty be a better fit than blunt?

While the synonyms crusty and blunt are close in meaning, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

Where would curt be a reasonable alternative to blunt?

The meanings of curt and blunt largely overlap; however, curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When can gruff be used instead of blunt?

Although the words gruff and blunt have much in common, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

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 blunt
Adjective
Be blunt about your needs to avoid future confusion. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2026 For him, Innovate Energy is less a branding phrase and more a blunt assignment. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
This means many of his supporters already have mortgages with low rates or own their homes outright, possibly blunting the importance of housing as an issue. —Josh Boak, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026 That said, many multinational companies have already adapted their supply chains and operations, helping to blunt the economic impact of trade tensions so far. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for blunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blunt
  1. abrupt
  2. blunted
  3. dull
  4. short
  5. reduce
  6. gruff
  7. numb
  8. curt
Adjective
  • Mood Changes As many as four in 10 women report feeling abrupt moods that are similar to PMS during perimenopause.
    — Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The abrupt decision raised questions across federal agencies and drew attention from lawmakers and international observers.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of abrupt
Adjective
  • Flat, calm but earnest, mildly anxious, blunted, volatile.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of blunted
Verb
  • His muscles waste, his mind dulls, his body collapses inward until only a voice remains, thin and disembodied.
    — Gilberto Lopes, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The repetition dulls whatever voltage the pairing once carried.
    — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of dull
Adjective
  • Then, in the short track speedskating mixed team relay B final, Julie Letai suffered her own mishap, slipping and crashing into the padding.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Sometimes just a couple of hours with someone, or several short meetings, can really get someone moving in a different way.
    — Daisy Jones, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of short
Verb
  • Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Snowmaking specialist TechnoAlpin, which is supplying this year’s Winter Olympics, said technology has advanced significantly over recent decades, reducing energy demand and water consumption.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of reduce
Adjective
  • The characters are well developed and unpredictable—perhaps none more so than John Stone, Nasir’s gruff public-defense attorney.
    — Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Also present was the gruff playwright.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Definition of gruff
Verb
  • Blast of Arctic cold on Saturday The WJZ First Alert Weather Team has upgraded Saturday to a First Alert Weather Day for strong, powerful wind gusts, numbing temperatures, and dangerously low wind-chills.
    — Steven Sosna, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Best foot spas The vibrations from this spa are gentle enough not to numb your feet but strong enough to still relax them.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of numb
Adjective
  • But on third down at the 28, Jaquan Brisker broke up a pass in the end zone as time expired, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Jaquan Brisker deflected the ball, setting off a wild celebration — and a curt handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Definition of curt

Browse Nearby Words

blunders
blunt
blunted
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Cite this Entry

“Blunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blunt. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on blunt

Nglish: Translation of blunt for Spanish Speakers

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