brusque

adjective

ˈbrəsk How to pronounce brusque (audio)
variants also brusk
Definition of brusquenext
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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brusque distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of brusque are bluff, blunt, crusty, curt, and gruff. While all these words mean "abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner," brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness.

a brusque response

In what contexts can bluff take the place of brusque?

The meanings of bluff and brusque largely overlap; however, bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality.

a bluff manner

When might blunt be a better fit than brusque?

While in some cases nearly identical to brusque, blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings.

a blunt appraisal

Where would crusty be a reasonable alternative to brusque?

The words crusty and brusque are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness.

a crusty exterior

When could curt be used to replace brusque?

The synonyms curt and brusque are sometimes interchangeable, but curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness.

a curt command

When is gruff a more appropriate choice than brusque?

While the synonyms gruff and brusque are close in meaning, gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness.

puts on a gruff pose

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 brusque New assistant coach Alice Chilton is a blatant remodeling of Roy Kent — a brusque ex-soccer player who’s reluctant to engage with Ted’s tomfoolery or personal prodding — but Tanya Reynolds’ performance is equal turns wounded and witty. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026 During the rehearsal, Pritchard was sometimes brusque with Hamilton, correcting her form with his feet and insisting on certain steps. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 Although stony-faced and intimidating when first met, Stella has a softer side as well as reasons to be so bitter and brusque. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026 With its return last year, the series shook things up with new challenges and Law Roach’s brusque judging style. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for brusque
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brusque
  1. abrupt
  2. blunt
  3. gruff
  4. curt
  5. short
  6. rude
Adjective
  • The minutes had passed so quickly for the rest of the world, but for the families waiting to learn whether their children were alive, the abrupt end of the gunfire wasn’t the end of their agony.
    — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Bass, for instance, oversaw the reappointment of McDonnell’s predecessor, Michel Moore, shortly after her election and stood by him for a year before Moore’s abrupt resignation in early 2024.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of abrupt
Adjective
  • Fringe can be worn in many ways, from short blunt sides to wispy layers.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Her style is pithy and blunt, avoiding the ornate sentence structure of classical German.
    — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of blunt
Adjective
  • Defying the old-school stereotype of the hard-nosed, gruff newspaper boss, Vaughn often mentored young reporters in a serious but friendly and encouraging manner.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Over three decades in stand-up comedy, Bill Burr has gained a reputation for saying, with gruff conviction and political fire, the thing on everyone’s mind.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of gruff
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
  • There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026
Definition of curt
Adjective
  • Its filler entries are also quite chewy and enjoyable — a lot of short clues for long answers, especially running down.
    — Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Seminoles capitalize, take lead The Seminoles lead after an Ashton Daniels 28-yard TD to Quintrevion Wisner, capitalizing on the short field following Miami’s turnover on downs.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of short
Adjective
  • Were my siblings rude to ignore my plan and take them for themselves?
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • An alligator with a sense of humor knocked on a North Carolina woman’s front door in the middle of the night, and the rascal got a rather rude response.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of rude

Browse Nearby Words

brushy
brusque
brusquely
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Cite this Entry

“Brusque.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brusque. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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