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 Be prepared, respectful, and concise. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 Aim for clear headlines and concise notes, and agree on timelines to ensure your reputation reflects focus and reliability. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026 Get concise answers to your questions. —Michael E. Ruane, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2026 Of a dozen candidates for four Boca Raton seats, Pearlman is the only one who declined to answer a concise two-page Sun Sentinel questionnaire, according to the Sun Sentinel editorial board. —Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 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
  • Suggest a timeline that protects quality, confirm roles in writing, and schedule a brief follow-up to keep everyone aligned, whether partnered, solo, or collaborating.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Breaking from a brief decline, jail deaths again rose statewide in 2025.
    — Ryan Oehrli April 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of brief
Adjective
  • Lunch and dinner menus are seasonal, succinct, fermented-leaning, and Asian-British-inspired.
    — Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Aside from being a sublime and succinct demonstration of her wit, those lyrics also imply one of Hartzman's main modes as a writer, as an observer just outside the emotional fray.
    — Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 28 Mar. 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 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on concise

Nglish: Translation of concise for Spanish Speakers

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