concise

adjective

kən-ˈsīs How to pronounce concise (audio)
Definition of concisenext
as in summary
marked by the use of few words to convey much information or meaning a concise article on violence in the media that manages to say more than most books on the subject

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 After considering a visitor’s question for a few seconds, the AI avatar gave a concise ruling, with specific citations to the USGA rulebook. — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 21 June 2026 The concise menu, by Dutch chef Karin Gaasterland, skews Moroccan-French. — Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026 Draft a concise proposal and set measurable checkpoints for a decision‑maker, because clear milestones help busy people say yes without extra clarification. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2026 Sending an email to your boss and typically use short, concise language? — Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
  1. summary
  2. brief
  3. succinct
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
Definition of summary
Adjective
  • Things settled down quickly after that, though the brief dustup ended with Contreras, Boston interim manager Chad Tracy, Boston outfielder Nate Eaton and Mikolas being ejected.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The ordinance marks a brief respite in the monthslong scramble to adapt to the broad changes brought by SB 79.
    — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • These colonial-era healths are succinct, no more than 20 words apiece.
    — Brooke Barbier, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • His vision of succinct stories that don’t need to be overdone is a beautiful sentiment.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of succinct

Browse Nearby Words

concinnity
concise
concisely
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Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concise

Nglish: Translation of concise for Spanish Speakers

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