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
Over the years, Braunwald continued his work, his brusque manner occasionally rubbing his subordinates and colleagues the wrong way.
—
Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026
European allies already had plenty of experience of Zelensky’s brusque manner.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Known for his brusque demeanor, Brush frequently courted controversy.
—Libby Cierzniak, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
That puts her at odds with Ray, whose investment in her son hinges on a brusque, performative disregard for Colin’s happiness.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brusque
Lawrence K. Altman, STAT, 7 May 2026
European allies already had plenty of experience of Zelensky’s brusque manner.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026
Known for his brusque demeanor, Brush frequently courted controversy.
—Libby Cierzniak, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026
That puts her at odds with Ray, whose investment in her son hinges on a brusque, performative disregard for Colin’s happiness.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for brusque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque
Adjective
-
The chance to work with the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager had been a significant draw for many of the players who had joined the club over the previous 18 months, and his abrupt departure left some scratching their heads.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
This abrupt stylistic shift is in service of an overtly political argument.—
Vadim Rizov,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Asked if the best players have to be better, Dahlin offered a blunt response in the locker room after the game.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
-
The slick creatures, with their blunt heads and whiskers, are sometimes easy to spot in the water, but the restaurants that have perfected eating them are a bit harder to find.—
Chelsea Brasted,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
But the grizzled former Man in Black and man-who-failed-to-ground-Maverick isn’t known for playing the type of gruff ol’ cowpoke who’s about to break into song.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
-
The son of a Scottish immigrant, McCluskie had a reputation as a political street fighter and his gruff style complemented Becerra’s more measured, cerebral approach.—
Dakota Smith,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
Our separation would need to be curt and the novel did it.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For a shorter jog or walk, also with stunning views of the bay, take the path around the back of the hotel on Brickell Bay Drive, then go down Brickell Ave and take a lap around Brickell Key island.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
-
That disconnect is where many appointments fall short.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Petrie didn’t only celebrate his own hits but pointed to rival shows like Sky’s Saturday Night Live UK and Prime Video’s Last One Laughing as proof that British comedy is in rude health.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
13 May 2026
-
Elizabeth continues to be an infuriating character, interrupting with rude and unhelpful asides throughout the entire family meeting, casually gnawing on an orange slice as Greg and Katie have a heart-to-heart across the table.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Brusque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brusque. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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