variants
also brusk
as in abrupt
being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner
a brusque and unhelpful reply from the clerk in the hardware store
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of brusque
With his occasionally brusque manner, his maniacal secrecy about team selection and his refusal to explain his tactical decisions, Luis Enrique put a few noses out of joint in the French media.
—
Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Near the end of our interview, his brusque exterior cracked.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
But a few weeks before its initial six-month contract was set to run out, in mid-September 1994, things came to a brusque end.
—Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025
An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brusque
Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Near the end of our interview, his brusque exterior cracked.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
But a few weeks before its initial six-month contract was set to run out, in mid-September 1994, things came to a brusque end.
—Christopher Clark, The Dial, 13 May 2025
An outgoing, flirty foil to Ellie’s brusque, steely demeanor, Dina’s playful banter with her pal is laced with the charge of friendly conversation that could tip into romantic intimacy on a dime.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for brusque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque
Adjective
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But Jose says the sudden overall enthusiasm for food additive regulation reflects consumer frustration with federal inaction and an abrupt political embrace of the issue by conservative lawmakers historically resistant to regulation.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
30 July 2025
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The exact reasons for the abrupt March departure of Kroger's CEO have remained a mystery.—
Alexander Coolidge,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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The judge was curt but courteous; a Spanish-language interpreter was available on a large video screen to his right.—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
25 July 2025
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If that bluntness sound a little prosaic at first, there’s a curt poetry to it that comes into focus listening through 15 tracks that consist almost entirely of sisters Danielle, Alana and Este Haim handing in their respective resignations to long- or short-term partners, effectively immediately.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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That whimsical feeling correlates with the brand’s more blunt tone about ingredients used in our food system.—
Andrew Watman,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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But compared to the other major metros in Texas, Austin has a blunt dividing line between its A- and F-rated schools.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Adjective
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Some posed for photos, others made rude gestures, and many simply stared.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
27 July 2025
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The movie’s off-color humor wouldn’t fly today, but its rebellious spirit remains hilariously defiant — a refreshingly rude retort to the niceties of family films and their cringey feel-good messages.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
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Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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For beginners, Bravo recommends starting with short sessions and using a handle for support while your body adapts.—
Jordan Galloway,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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Families can also listen to short episodes of the Cow Tales Podcast and find more secret missions.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The snippy robot begins the film with her body destroyed but her ego as big as ever.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2025
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The Next Generations and had recurring roles as the snippy Emma Johnson on NBC’s 227 and as a judge on ABC’s The Practice.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Despite his unceremonious exit from the Nationals, Rizzo still took a moment to show his appreciation for the team's fan base by offering what was likely an unexpected gesture.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
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That follows Trump’s former DOGE lackey Elon Musk torching the bill upon his unceremonious exit from Washington.—
S.E. Cupp,
New York Daily News,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Brusque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brusque. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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