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 These elements are tied together through Exhibitor Pitch sessions, where manufacturers and technology providers present concise overviews of their capabilities in 15-minute formats. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2026 Her writing, honed in the 50-jokes-a-day grind of late-night television, is about as lean, punchy, and concise as comedy writing can be. —John Roy, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2026 Each one is spotlighted in a concise yet engaging story that typically lasts a couple of pages. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 12 Jan. 2026 Just across the street, Miya is a quirky, two-room Thai charmer with a relatively concise menu of curries, noodles, soups, salads and vegetables. —Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concise
  1. summary
  2. brief
  3. succinct
Adjective
  • Such rights obviously do not include summary execution at sea.
    — Mary Ellen O'Connell, The Conversation, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Not surprisingly, given the risk of summary execution, many had initial doubts.
    — Yossi Melman, ProPublica, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of summary
Adjective
  • The crucial employment snapshot is slightly delayed because of the brief government shutdown and will show whether the trajectory improved for the US labor market, which has been stuck in a low-hire and low-fire lull.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • School officials issued a brief statement saying the VA had offered to meet with them in Washington.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • The succinct answer was clear in the packed courtroom also filled with prominent CapRadio personalities such as Jennifer Reason, the station’s midday classical host, and former news anchor Mike Hagerty.
    — Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Quick, dense, and succinct, TDS gathers the latest automotive headlines from around the globe and places them in one spot.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of succinct

Browse Nearby Words

concinnity
concise
concisely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Concise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concise. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concise

Nglish: Translation of concise for Spanish Speakers

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